Worst case scenario: China decides to invade Taiwan. What is your response?

China decides to arm Pakistan with nuclear weapons and ICBMs capable of reaching easily into the heartland of India. What is your response?

Thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 10:47 PM ET | 11-21-2007

Again, related to the Taiwan situation.

Economists point out that the United States has become a debtor nation to China. The trade deficit has grown exponentially over the years.

Military analysts point out the logic that a debtor nation can be left at a distinct disadvantage in a foreign policy, military confrontation.

What are your views on the trade deficit as it relates to America's international security measures?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 10:17 AM ET | 11-22-2007

I'm not sure why there is category for China, and not one for Russia, but, here goes.

Russian arms dealer Victor Boot reputedly has supplied arms to Iraq on behalf of the Bush administration. At the same time, Victor Boot has reputedly supplied arms to the enemy insurgents.

China has become a major arms supplier to Iran, while Iran has become a major oil supplier to China.

The United States, Russia, China, Great Britain and France are the five leading arms suppliers to the world. The United States leads the list by a wide margin.

Your comments on the state of the world's international arms sales?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 1:11 PM ET | 11-22-2007

For 2007, Wal-Mart has regained the lead over Exxon Mobil on the Fortune 500 list.

The first Wal-Mart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas. During President Bill Clinton's first year of presidency, Wal-Mart experienced its first one billion dollar weekend in December of 1993. Four years later, Wal-Mart experienced its first one hundred billion dollar year, in 1997. By 1999, before Bill Clinton left office, Wal-Mart was the largest employer in the world.

Today, some economists warn that Wal-Mart China has created a global profit bubble that can't be sustained. Which means much when considered the relationahip between the American dollar and the Chinese Yuan.

To all the candidates: Was Wal-Mart a once in a lifetime American success story in the global market?

Is there another American mega-corporation (outside the oil industry) that can duplicate Wal-Mart's growth rate of success?

With Wal-Mart's simultaneous influence over both the American dollar and the Chinese Yuan, what do you predict for the near future of the global economy as predicated by trade between the United States and China?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 8:56 PM ET | 11-23-2007

So far I am the only one to have asked questions in this category about China.

Which means, to me, one of two things: Either nobody knows anything about China, or you candidates are not going to be asked any delicate questions about China.

But I'm going to plug away, and here is my question to all the candidates: If China were to invade Taiwan, and our Navy tried to get in the way of the invading Chinese, would Americans boycott against Chinese made televisions and other products?

And linked to this line of reasoning of the American consumer habits, will there every come during the War on Terrorism in the Mideast that Americans will ever boycott Mideast oil?

Just your personal opinions will suffice.

And one other question based on your personal opinions: Remember the last time you purchased an American flag, and the tag on the package said 'Made in China,' is that kind of like the sticker on the mattress that says if you tear it off someone is going to come to your bedroom and drag you off to prison?

And why is it that nobody in America seems to know where China is on the map, or where their televisions and computer hardware come from?

And is it possible that the only category of manufacture left in which America can compete against China (or Russia...which is located somewhere on the map not far from China) is in futuristic weapon's technology?

And can you win the election by not mentioning China?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 11:25 AM ET | 11-25-2007

Summary (Oct 27, 2007): On October 24, the Chinese National Space Administration launched Chang'e-1, the first step in China's efforts to land robot explorers on the Moon.

To all the candidates: If China can land on the moon, does that mean China can land in any city in the world?

And do you think Vladimir Putin is a creampuff pushover, and that America is the only superpower in the world?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 12:31 PM ET | 11-25-2007

To all the candidates: Do you think that one of the major casualties of the war versus anti-war media coverage is the domestic issues?

But, of course, the media gives us what we crave. The public daily votes with the remote channel changer.

Seems to me that every time someone starts to talk about our trade deficit with China, or health care, somebody else organizes an anti-war march in Washington. Hence, the media forgets China and health care while focusing on the march. Do you agree to any extent?

And if you do, and if you are elected, how can you present a strong stance on national defense, while getting the American public and the media to focus more on the less exhilerating topics of deficits and health care?

I mean, do any of you believe you can win without a strong national defense posture? Do you have a strong domestic posture to go along with the strong defense posture? Can you create more of a balance between the two?

In fact, can you even occasionally get the media and the public to focus more attention on domestic matters than on the war in Iraq? Once in a while?

And, do you think that the more bloggers blog on how much they hate the military, and how corrupt they call our government, and how much they hate George Bush....that the more will vote Republican? Because the bloggers and the anti-war advocates have become repetitive and boring and they have started to sound a little too far out in left field for their own good?

Or, are there enough of the anti-war votes to get any of you elected? Cause it hasn't happened before. But maybe you know something I don't, and if you do, would you tell me?

And do you think that there are a lot of us registered Democrats who are getting tired of losing?

And I notice I'm still the only one asking questions in the China category, and does that strike you as odd in any way? I mean, am I the only registered Democrat with concerns about Russia and China and national defense and the deficit and so on? Without having to mention getting in or out of Iraq as a prerequisite? And are all the voters going to fool me come election day of '08?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 1:13 PM ET | 11-25-2007

To all the candidates: Can the domestic health care issue problems be solved without solving the trade deficit situation with China?

Will the price of gasoline at the pump continue to rise here in America as more Chinese (and Indian and Pakistani)citizens put away their bicycles in liue of new automobiles?

Can the average American citizen get tax relief as the dollar shrinks on the global marketplace?

Or, is everyone waiting for the Chinese government controlled stock market to collapse, and the American dollar will make a miraculous recovery and America will easily be able to repay their debt?

Can any of the domestic economic issues, such as the rising rate of home foreclosures, in America be addressed or resolved without including dealing with the global economy?

Is there any aspect of the American economy that is not tightly tied to the global economy? Anywhere?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 3:17 PM ET | 11-25-2007

There are many who now suggest that the so called "free trade" agreements our country has entered into have in the aggregate hollowed out the core of the US economy and decimated the American middle class -- yet paradoxically propelled the stock market forward as corporate profits surge through exploitation of low cost labor centers. Do you think NAFTA, the WTO, and the many other trade agreements have helped or hurt our nation?

Sent by Mike Klein | 3:54 PM ET | 11-25-2007

Well, cut off my legs and call me shorty, but we're getting somewhere. Someone else has asked a question related to China. I was getting to feel all alone and that China (and Russia) were a figment of my imagination.

Okay, how about an Olympic's Question to all the candidates.

I was at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, just a few months after 9/11. I went to the Olympic Village that looked something more like a well guarded detention center rather than an accomodation where jet setting world class winter athletes from European are accustomed.

Consequently, there were few European world class athletes staying in the heavily guarded, spare looking Olympic Village. Instead, these world class athletes took hi-rise hotel rooms in downtown Salt Lake City. They hung their individual nation's flags on the balconies of their rooms for everyone to see. Including the myriad of military and federal marshall snipers to see from their many rooftop perches throughout the city.

In short, I was amazed by how indifferent the world class athletes were to the threat of terrorism as it was perceived by Americans at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

To all the candidates: What do you predict will be the security arrangements in China for their Olympic Games? How would you estimate a comparison of security measures during the Chinese games, as compared to the games held in the United States?

And this I know is a question you will not be asked, but it bears asking on the internet. How do you personally feel about the Chinese government's treatment of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Monks, and the Falun Gong?

And while we're at it, what are your opinions on the long running Russian and Chechen wars?

I enjoy asking these questions because they never get asked in any political debates of either party.

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 9:00 PM ET | 11-25-2007

What are your opinions regarding US dependence upon the Peoples Republic of China and US defensive capabilities in the event of war with the Peoples Republic of China?

Sent by Joseph | 12:16 AM ET | 11-26-2007

To all the candidates: The question of war (and trade) with China.

Do you agree that we've been there before, war with China, that is? Have you ever spoken to a Korean War veteran about the Chinese Army Regulars who supplied, led and fought with the North Korean troops?

Have you ever spoken to a Vietnam War veteran who learned to tell the difficult difference between a corpse that was North Vietnamese from Chinese from Cambodian from Laotian?

Have you ever spoken to a DEA or a CIA veteran who worked covertly in the Golden Triangle region of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Bank in the days when the Chinese Army was called the largest drug smuggling operation in the world?

To all the canidates: Would you say that war and global trade with China is not a new phenomenon? Would you say that war and global trade co-exist as regards our tenuous relationship with China?

Or, are we going to speak in terms of denial during debates?

Not that these tough questions will be asked during a debate. All the properly submitted questions have long since been agred upon by all parties. We are here typing away to the wind. With the intent that others will see, and think.

To all the candidates: In your opinion, how large is the Chinese army in manpower? I've read that the North Korean army is a million man strong. I've read that six million enemy combatants were killed in the Vietnam conflict. While there was no end in sight for living replacements.

To all the candidates: If it comes to a shootout over Taiwan or some such, how do we fight such a large army?

How is it that the global economy subsists on potential enemies fighting it out?

Not to forget that the Russian Vladimir Putin would quickly take advantage of the soft undebelly of either side.

To all the candidates: Do you trust Vladimir Putin?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 10:19 AM ET | 11-26-2007

What actions would you take as president to address China and Venezuela's growing influence in Cuba? Do you consider their growing influence in a country 90 miles from our shores a matter of importance to the United States/ a matter of strategy on China and Venezuela's part?

Sent by Kristin Przelomiec | 10:34 AM ET | 11-26-2007

To all the candidates (and everyone listening to the debate:

Can America NOT be a superpower? Can America turn around to become a quiet little island paradise where the people fish and play the drums to the sunset? Can America become a bigger version of a neutral Switzerland?

Can Americans give up their automobiles and intricate highway systems and their never-on-time bureaucracy of air traffic? Can America give up Christmas shopping, Easter shopping and shopping shopping? Can America live without her Asian made personal computers sitting atop Malaysian forrested desks?

Do you agree that we are of the triumvirate of superpowers: China, Russia and Us. With Great Britain and France not far behind in nuclear power, and Japan and Germany as dynamic economic powers?

To the candidates (and all listening to the debates), if we as a superpower are ruthless and corrupt, are you saying that China and Russia are not the same? Is it possible that the least ruthless and corrupt of the three will lose?

Or, is America ready to don sarongs and give back all the land (including Texas)and gather in the park in our tie dyed underwear?

Dear candidates, if so, do you vote for Moody Blues or Jimi Hendrix on our Asian built CD players?

thank you,
fred call

Sent by fred call | 2:42 PM ET | 11-26-2007

Given that one of the major flaws of the Kyoto accord was that countries like China were 'let off the hook'. How would you plan to deal with China when it comes to negotiating climate treaties?

Sent by Marco Lugon | 2:15 PM ET | 11-27-2007

Since 2001, the amount of US debt held by foreign central banks has roughly doubled and, under George Bush and Dick Cheney, US debt is projected to soon reach $10 trillion. Meanwhile, the Chinese central bank (among others) has lost interest in purchasing our debt in favor of more profitable investments.

Just how vulnerable does this make us to the communist regime of Tiananmen Square and represssion of free speech and what will you do, if elected, to regain the freedom and moral authority to speak frankly with China about its human rights record without fear of repercussions on the dollar and our economy?

Sent by w j martin | 9:42 PM ET | 11-27-2007

To all the candidates: This is a question posed to all on the theory of Darwinian Politic Theory of Rationalism in response to our growing trade deficit with China (and Russia) in the global market. The left presumes that society is naturally perfectible, while the right presumes perfection comes through instincts and rational planning.

Some would propose that the answer to Iraq is to funnel all the monies away from Iraq and into building homes and schools and hospitals in America: which brings up the argument that doing so would create a larger welfare class in America, thereby weakening America, while it is also argued that creating a welfare state in Iraq weakens the Iraqi enemy.

Hence, given a mix of Aristotle, David Hume, Charles Darwin, with a tint of Machiavelli, and we have a political theory of natural selection and survival of the strongest. It might be argued that though many on the right profess a disbelief in Darwinian theory, in fact, many on the right are practicing political Darwinism: politics of rational self-interest of the state versus enemy states. This covers the argument of welfare state versus an ambitiously motivate state, and that an ambitious society will prevail over a welfare society.

To carry the argument a step further, is the way to compete with China is that with China???s burgeoning population problems, China becomes more of a welfare state, and America becomes more of an ambitious state. Hence, balancing the scales in global economic trade as we compete with China, and is this possibly an answer to our growing trade deficit problem with China?

To all the candidates: To what degree do you agree with that government should give the people what they want, of that government should let people compete and earn what they want?

Thank you,
Fred call

Sent by fred call | 11:50 AM ET | 11-28-2007

Isn???t it strange we can???t accept medication from reputable countries that have high quality health systems..., yet we continue to ship in toys, and goodness knows what else...that can damage our children for life! Where is our priority?

Sent by Dixie Damm Lenoir City Tennessee | 8:38 PM ET | 11-28-2007

How do you feel Jesus would deal with China?

Sent by David Longino in West Monroe LA. | 10:59 PM ET | 11-28-2007

China and other Asian nations have developed aggressive space programs and they could beat the U.S. in sending humans back to the Moon. Is this something the U.S. should worry about?

Our own space program is in a profound transition and some candidates favor scaling it back. What are the candidates' positions on space exploration?

Sent by Edward | 8:44 AM ET | 11-29-2007

for all candidates:
Our use of pre-emptive attack, torture and detainee abuse has blunted our ability to help China respect human rights. How would you as president correct this situation so that the US can regain its status as a beacon of human rights in the world?

Sent by Jim Tucker | 9:02 AM ET | 11-29-2007

The national debt has received scant attention by most presidential candidates, yet our debt to China is huge. Does the United States have an obligation to pay China what it has borrowed? If the answer is yes, how do you propose we do this...and when?

Sent by Vivian Berg | 9:45 AM ET | 11-29-2007

Angela Merkel recently said, "the foreign and security policy of (our) government was built on values." and that "human rights and economic interests are one side of the same medal and should never stand in opposition to each other." She inextribably tied her country's foreign policy with that of a human rights agenda and has taken actions to prove that her actions are more substantive than mere words for example but by not bowing to Chinese threats of boycotting an economic summit if she were to meet with the Dalai Lama. Many presidential candidates have talked tough about China and it's human rights record in the past, but in the end favor securing our economic interests than risk upsetting China by substantively talking about the human rights issue. China is given a free pass to "go at her own pace." What do you think of Merkel's stance, and how would you balance human rights and trade with China?

Sent by Panpan Wang | 10:32 AM ET | 11-29-2007

China currently holds over $1 trillion of United States national debt. In contrast, our M1 money supply stands at a crestfallen $1.4 trillion. China is now threatening the "nuclear option" of dumping the dollar completely, which most economists believe would completely crash the already historically low dollar and bring about a second great depression. What would you do to prevent this?

Sent by Ryan Meyer | 11:40 AM ET | 11-29-2007

China is a totalitarian, repressive political society. What would you change in U.S.-China relations to encourage a change in China's policies? Are you for realpolitick (economic connections will gradually lead to improvement) or moral indignation a la Cuba - minimizing contacts, strong rhetoric, lobbying other countries?

Sent by Donna Brewer | 12:04 PM ET | 11-29-2007

How would you change our foreign policy so we did not appear as the Ugly American in the Far East?

Sent by Jerry Firman farmer.newsvine.com | 12:35 PM ET | 11-29-2007

This issues touches on both trade and national security.

I own an engineering consulting company which develops hardware and firmware/software for many companies. Ownership and protection of the intellectual property that differentiates these companies' products is essential.

Having said that, we all understand that theft of intellectual property is rampant in China. Some even say that the Chinese government encourages it. From pirated movies, to black-market software, to wholesale counterfeiting of high-tech products (such as high-speed networking routers) and embezzlement of technology used in military systems, Americans' livelihood is being jeopardized by the lawless theft of intellectual property.

What would you do to ensure that China is held accountable for these transgressions, both in terms of ensuring Americans' works are not stolen and sold for 10 cents on the dollar, and to ensure that technology that protects our national security (weapons, communications, plans) is fiercely protected?

Sent by Dan Smith | 1:43 PM ET | 11-29-2007

Why do we have a travel ban to Cuba based on political repression, but not a similar ban for China? Would the Cuban people not be helped by American off-shoring at least as much as the Chinese?

Sent by Thurman Hart | 2:21 PM ET | 11-29-2007

China is currently experiencing a boom in pollution akin to one that the U.S. experienced until more stringent regulations began to be passed in the 70's. Because of China's large population and the current state of economic concern, the damage done by the rampant polluting could potentially be irreparable. Because the U.S. and other G8 nations went through similiar trends in their periods of development, is it unfair for the UN or other supra-national organizations to impose regulations on China, or do the potential environmental repurcussions outweigh the danger of sounding hypocritical.

Sent by Wyatt Cain | 3:07 PM ET | 11-29-2007

As western influences trains and supports China to become bigger and betterr, I'm looking for a president who will take action to support our Nation's economy and keep the jobs at home. Please explain what you will do to limit outsourcing to China and India, and how you will bring those jobs back home.

Sent by Paige | 3:13 PM ET | 11-29-2007

To all candidates: What would be your position, as
president of the US, concerning human rights abuses in Tibet and Tibet's loss of sovereignity?

Sent by Susan Smith | 3:26 PM ET | 11-29-2007

How will you ensure legitimate free trade with China so that we can fully take advantage of our comparative advantages?

Sent by Spencer Dempsey | 5:06 PM ET | 11-29-2007

The European Union has outlawed the use of phalates in the plastic products sold there. Since they have Universal Health Care they are concerned over the effect of such dangerous chemicals on their society and what it will eventually cost them. Chinese manufactures make separate plastic products (toys, kitchen wear etc) for the E.U. and it cost them no more to make it then the products tainted with pthalates that are sent to the U.S. How can our government put pressure on big companies to get rid of pthalates in our products? Please don't say let the market dictate this...most people are not even aware of the danger to their health and the health of the environment.

Sent by Gabrielle Hart | 5:17 PM ET | 11-29-2007

Doing my Christmas shopping - NOTHING made in USA, no matter what store! I find this frightening! What do you plan to do to restore the middle class in this country? The CEO's are raking in the money while they outsource everything to China! (unless it's manufactured in some other low-salary country!)

Sent by Mrs. Robert B. Decker (Joan R.) | 5:55 PM ET | 11-29-2007

The U.S. is falling way behind the European Union in environmental health regulations and enforcement to keep our kids safe and healthy. What will you do to limit the exposure of our children to toxins such as lead, and chemicals in plastic toys,clothing, household goods and health/beauty products?

Sent by Katy Farber | 6:55 PM ET | 11-29-2007

China is a communist country but is at least experiencing some economic development. It is an oppressive regime with little political freedom, yet it is our largest trading partner. However, Cuba has been under US embargo for nearly fifty years. Now that the cold war has been over for almost twenty years, would you, as President, normalize relations and trade with Cuba?

Sent by Zach Taylor | 7:34 PM ET | 11-29-2007

The prohibitive nature of the laws concerning cannabis caused by the current War on Drugs costs the country over $15 Billion dollars on enforcement and incarceration costs, robs the treasury of $15 Billion dollars in lost revenues, creates and funds a criminal element, and tries to extinct an agricultural crop that has both sustained civilization since before recorded history and has been described as a miracle plant by top agricultural officials.

Is it possible that our current strategy of prohibitive cannabis laws is as flawed as our failed strategy in the War in Iraq?

Sent by Harry Hemp | 7:49 PM ET | 11-29-2007

In 1997, China took over control of Hongkong from the United Kingdom. Two years later, in 1999, it assumed control of Macau from Portugal. In both cases, the transition was ceremonial and peaceful. Since there is no colonial power for China to negotiate with vis-a-vis Taiwan,how will you as President, ensure that China's eventual control of Taiwan will not be preceeded by armed conflict?

Sent by Dr. Anthony Ikaiddi | 11:45 PM ET | 11-29-2007

What diplomatic measures would you take, as president, to ensure that China respects the human rights of non-Han ethnic groups in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of Western China, including the economic right to share the proceeds of its oil resources?

Sent by Jean Davison, Ph.D. | 9:50 AM ET | 11-30-2007

I think that we should be nicer to China since we get so many things made from them.

Sent by Bushra Ismail | 11:56 AM ET | 11-30-2007

China is a major economic and political supporter of the Government of Sudan. China buys roughly 2/3 of Sudan's oil, supplies Sudan with millions of dollars in military equipment, and China has slowed UN response to the genocide in Darfur. What would you do as President to ensure that China uses its leverage with Sudan to help end the genocide in Darfur?

Sent by Tim Gannon, Des Moines, IA | 5:14 PM ET | 11-30-2007

In what role do you envision China in dealing with the increasingly dangerous North Korea?

Sent by Chris Guthrie | 7:18 PM ET | 11-30-2007