Originally Posted by mellincf

I spent some time in China in 1977, studying for my thesis for my master's degree there. In an entire summer, I counted 4 cars (and they were government). I was watched constantly, most of the general population were friendly and in awe of my white skin and "round eyes". But the military watched me carefully. I've been in some really, really poor countries, but this one was near the top. However, now Beijing rivals New York, nearly everyone has a car, a TV, a washing machine (once a huge deal). What I'm saying is, don't underestimate the Asians. South Korea and Japan have a very similar story. Is North Korea next?