I am with you, that the U.S. can and should get its act in order. How this will happen, I really can't say. As to international pressure on China in the model of pressure on South Africa, one country is not enough, but international pressure might still work. Having worked in military intelligence, I don't think China has the means or the will to enter into a "hot" war. It knows the cost to itself would be well beyond anything it might gain, both in terms of material loss and in status (if it has any now). Of course, I hope that this is not part of anyone's future. But right now I am envisioning Europe prior to WWII, and it makes me very nervous.