China - some perspectives

Is 21st century truly a Chinese century? To answer this, you have to look into the rich and enduring history of China, which is so full of golden periods. China, no doubt is a great civilization and deserves a high pedestal in worldly affairs.Whether Tibet affair is a thorn on its global ambition it is a point which only the enlightened ones can discuss. China has a great history, except for a brief dormant period when Opium trade flourished and a large part of the population was engulfed in widespread poverty. The Great Wall is a testimony of what the Chinese can achieve if they will. China is now everywhere, Chinese immigrants are one of the most successful lot in almost every country that they are in, because they are hard working and always willing to travel that extra mile.China controls the manufacturing world, even though occasional quality problems may create embarrassment. The successful completion of Olympic games tells the world how modern China can transform and transcend.
On the other hand there are few caveats. China wants to get a share of the world's resources which can fuel its burgeoning economy. It is hard to believe that in Africa, the Chinese interests are purely altruistic in helping setting up infrastructure. But that is understandable as China needs to take care of its own interest. After all the growth of European nations during industrial revolution was largely fueled by large scale colonial exploitation and China's activities can hardly be termed as "exploitation". Similarly its relationship with Pakistan and a few other nations of doubtful integrity might raise some pertinent questions. Especially it is now evident that Pakistan's nuclear programme is in essence based on borrowed Chinese technology.China's military might is also enviable and in the event of a war with any of it's neighbors it is very evident who would have the upper hand.
All said and done, China has arrived, so love it or hate it, you cannot ignore it.