you're right, the system is on somewhat shaky ground. many semi- or fully-developed nations face demographic challenges but china is in a much worse position to

you're right, the system is on somewhat shaky ground. many semi- or fully-developed nations face demographic challenges but china is in a much worse position to handle them than we are. but that doesn't mean it's the time to get complacent. now is the time to push harder, knock out a few more legs out from under the chinese system, do that every year until it falls over. they can aspire all they want. the issue is when they attempt to do so to the detriment of Americans. there are some scarce resources that will only ever be enjoyed by the people in that top quintile. it is both the practical and moral obligation of the U.S. government to ensure we, not they, remain in that top quintile and secure scarce resources for our own people before any others. the global south may contain the majority of sets of hands, but the west continues to control the lion's share of human capital, wealth, and military equipment. we ought to continue using those to maintain them. there's no issue with the wealth of everyone growing as the world improves. but we must continue to secure those critical scarce resources for our own first, and that requires that even if the south grows in wealth, we exert all available power and influence to ensure we grow faster. second place sucks. since there will always be a second place, it's our job to avoid it at all costs.