Re: "taking out China"
China's long history can be seen in terms of its struggle to prevent the breakdown of its society which has always occurred whenever its citizenry were free to act without an iron fisted leader keeping them in line.
It appears that modern China has begun to risk its own cohesion for the promise of quick technological and economic advancement. Already, the corruption is running rampant, and the peoples' respect for and tolerance for their own dictatorship is diminishing.
What remains to be seen, is whether or not China will return to its usual state of chaotic anarchy ruled by feudal warlords, before its rising military is forced to pursue foreign military adventures which will be inevitably forced on them if they intend to control an overpopulation which will soon demand endless growth and increased income.
Since the Revolution, The Peoples' Republic of China has used the Republic of China as their primary propaganda tool to unite its people. If the PRC one day were to actually seize Taiwan, a new "boogeyman" would have to immediately be found by China's leadership to replace their long-time nemesis. China at that time would, in my opinion, pose a serious threat to the rest of the world.