Our final post from China. We are soon booked on a 1st class train (with matresses, ac and fake flowers on the table - real luxary at last) for our final journey, back up to Beijing, and then have our flight to Delhi.

Our visit to Shanghai certainly has improved our understanding of China, where the country is now, and where they are heading. Shanghai at present reminds us Singapore. Cutting edge, modern, high rise buildings. Clear open parks and fast efficient transit links. Now we realize why there is so much building work in all the major cities that we have visited in China. There has been an aggressive development policy in this separate economic zone since the 1980's. The traditional areas that people used to live in are being systematically bulldozed and the new modern high rise flats being established so they can be relocated.

We saw a collection of photos from various spots around the city. Sometimes in the space of 5 years green field sites have been turned into shopping centres, brown field sites are now modern flats. These changes showed the immense resources of the country. If the Chinese government decide to do something, it is clear that it will happen, and happen quickly. - The Olympics! There is so much labour available, so many raw materials. In contrast back home there are always protests about development and new roads. In China, the changes just happen. People are moved out, relocated and communities dislocated. It just happens.

Take this a step further in context of the economic might of China. If they decide again to expand territorially. What will happen?? How far will they go? Definately a sleeping tiger!

It is Jim's contention that the west should be watching Chinese developments very carefully. To be in constant dialogue - there will be nothing that the west will be able to do in the future if China decide to test their power.