Could China be a threat?

Is China powerful enough as it is right now to be considered a *potential* (please note the emphasis on that word) major threat to US?

China is growing at an alarming rate (economically, industrially, militarily). Do you think this growth will continue for a long time?

Nationalism is mushrooming at an ever increasing rate among the Chinese population. Do you think this is a big concern?

China's new improved economy also proves to be very helpful. Do you believe it will benefit the US as well as the rest of the world as a partner in trade?

China's government is also undergoing a slow but marked metamorphosis toward a more liberal structure. As good as this looks, this progress often suffers setbacks, and some of these setbacks (such as Pres. Jiang's refusal to completely step out of the political sphere) may be capable of halting this progress, or even completely undo it. Do you think China is capable of changing to an *adequately* democratic country peacefully?

Part of the reason China is becoming less socialistic is that it is getting richer (and the rise of a new higher class was made possible). In your opinion, would a halt to China's economic progress also precipitate a halt to its "democratic" progress?

The Chinese want Taiwan of course, and they'll do whatever possible to take it (or so it seems). US will obviously defend Taiwan if it is attacked, and will do whatever it takes to defend it (or so it seems) What's your take on this?

Given all this, do you think China and America will inevitably lock into a destructive conflict? Or will China gradually become America's newest (and most beneficial) partner?

If such a conflict *does* occur, how bad would it be?

If China becomes an ally, could it help significantly with America's upcoming war on the "Axis of Evil" (or any future terrorist nations)?