
will politely and humbly disagree with you on 1 point.


We see through modern/different eyes the value of trade routes and strategic conquest. Back in those days, China didn't really value trade. I believe it was if you want Chinese stuff, lai, if not get lost. Again, I point to Japan and Korea. Don't value trade at all.
English adminstration back in those days was 1st class, but China was also good. Back when the Mongolians took over, they had to resort to using Chinese and imported Persian administrators. Didn't trust the Chinese so they brought in Persian, but Persians cannot manage the whole empire had to resort back to Chinese. This is of course my reading of history, it may or may not be what actually happened.
English walked into India, but because of Indian being super-racist since back then, straightaway see white skin, high technology, amazing organisation, they worship as gods. It's literally in written in Hinduism about gods, castes and skin colour. I've actually been looking for a Hindu scholar because I've been trying to find the exact story I read years ago. Let me know if you know one. No need to fire a shot. Impression can win everything... at least at first. Until Indians get bored of seeing it, then they rose up.
US can't win Vietnam or Iraq. In today's world, nobody wants foreigners and white skin no longer so special as to command so much attention. But biggest thing is they were not wanted in those countries in the 1st place. I don't think in 2020 anybody wants Americans to occupy them, but of course I may be wrong.
Thank you for discussing.