I read publications by Stratfor and similar organizations on a semi-frequent basis (although I have not read the book in question), and "with a grain of salt" i

I read publications by Stratfor and similar organizations on a semi-frequent basis (although I have not read the book in question), and "with a grain of salt" is an assumed prerequisite. The authors do not intend to deceive or have lazy fact checkers. Instead the writings are intentionally speculative and many of the sources are often speaking off the record or sometimes trying to promote a specific political agenda (i.e. a Chinese official could have been the source for your stated fact).