I wouldn't assume that China's future is so assured. A billion...

I wouldn't assume that China's future is so assured. A billion people living under the poverty line (who often are even considered "migrants" when they go to the cities). Many ethnic tensions always simmering under the surface of their society. An economy that's reliant on the consumerism of the West. Their banking system is fragile for many reasons. A political system that has to rely on force and squashing any dissident voice. If the West imposed across the board sanctions on China - China, like the Soviet Union, would probably disintegrate - and just as suddenly.

Yes they are at the moment a substancial creditor nation yet that would soon be spent feeding their population if a depression hit the world.

Notwithstanding Australia needs a strong defence force and as far as I'm concerned the stronger the better.