Thank you for your response. As far as N Korea, I don't think "squashing" in the violent sense will bring peace - it will be seen as another foreign incursion, rather than cleaning out a regime. With the BRI, what is the danger, apart from balancing the economic scales away from the WTO and IMF?

With the long-awaited détente happening now b/t Aus & China, there will be no toe-to-toe. There's no need and both countries benefit from trade. If anything, economically US will be the loser, as they replaced Aus trade when China imposed the $20BN trade sanctions. And no, I don't want anybody, US or otherwise, to 'soften up' China. There should never be the need in a modern society and I honestly don't believe China wants conflict, let alone war, with anybody. Anyway, thank you for your insights on the US and Biden. Disappointing he's not as promised (& let's not mention Harris). "Who is courageous and young enough to succeed Bernie?" is my question.

Have a great Christmas & NY.