@Ron I think it's a lot easier to oppose China when you've got oceans between you and them. Also, don't forget that they are also in a region that is populated by many countries that have been in various states of conflict with the US, UK, and Western Europe.

The world is much bigger over there -- literally -- and I think it's sometimes easy to forget that the empires of our respective countries aren't necessarily as significant as they once appeared to be.

I dunno... it's complicated and I for one wouldn't want to make that decision.