In between the long election coverages on the major channels (which, unfortunately, say much of the same things), an uncomfortable situation has developed in East Asia.

Last year, as I am sure some of you have heard, China denied the port of Hong Kong to three American battle groups - two mine sweepers and a carrier (the Kitty Hawk). This comes off of the latest rounds of American weapons sales to Taiwan and its welcoming of the Dalai Lama, a man who is viewed as a separatist by the Chinese government.

This is simply the latest incident between the US and China and it really signals the emergence of a more aggressive China. Along with the port incident, China has also been building its military, especially its navy, and it has began to establish closer relations with other developing powers like India while establishing itself as a major African power broker and even easing tensions with Taiwan. These acts and its continuing push to involve itself in major UN peacekeeping efforts signals a dramatic departure in Chinese foreign policy.

What we are witnessing in the Far East might be the birth of a 2nd superpower, and while we are correct to focus on the war-torn, oil-rich Middle East, perhaps the biggest challenge facing the next president will be in the Far East where a burgeoning China, a more and more petulant South Korea, a nuclear capable North Korea and an ever more protectionist Japan will cause problems for everyone with interests in the region.