chinaJohn R. Houk
March 21, 2006
The new Communist China is not as Red and revolutionary as it used to be. China has nearly abandoned the world revolution escapades of its former comrade the terminated Soviet Union. China is all about national interests as any other typical nation state. Currently China is emerging as an economic and military power by combining good old fashioned capitalist marketing with Marxist state management. It is working for them. They are emerging as a Tiger to be dealt with.
Enter Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, who is living in the Castro/Soviet past of exporting world Marxist revolution. I sincerely doubt Chavez's motivation is the proletariat as much as it is the maintenance of egotistical power. In his mind that maintenance means confrontation with the United States of America. God knows why? He could be more helpful toward the poor in Venezuela by using the petro dollars to end regulate corporate corruption and strengthen democratic infrastructures; however Chavez has chosen the path to perpetuate self-aggrandizement by cementing a life long Presidency.
Chavez has attempted to find powerful partners that would be craw in America's side. Chavez has labored hard to make China one of those partners. However China is more interested in shoring up its own National Interests in its own region. Certainly China is interested in Venezuelan oil yet counting the cost (capitalism) may not serve China's interests at this time.
However China is not folding either. I am certain as China finds more confidence in its own region it will want to cause distractions for world hegemon America. When that time comes, egomaniacs such as Chavez will serve the Chinese National Interest. America, be watchful!
