Staring Down the Gunsights

These days there's been a lot of mention of the problematic relationship between the US and China. However, in new developments, the People's Liberation Army is reportedly seeking military nuclear cooperation with the United States. Which enemy do we have in common? Here's a brief background of the latest complications between the Eagle and the Dragon. Here, a pundit from the BBC stumbles through a discussion in the economic problems that have recently surfaced in the form of toy recalls, and at the end interestingly equates it to the military problems. Here, another pundit from the Economist raises the theory that the PLA is not necessarily under direct control of the Party's political leaders. The PLA, of course, has enjoyed a rather privileged position in the hierarchy of power, given it was the proving ground for the first generation of CCP leaders, restored order after the Cultural Revolution, and suppressed the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident. Considering the anti-satellite test, it could mean that the PLA feels entitled to more of a free hand in deciding policy and weapon acquisitions.