Mark Kirk: “China is a sleeping giant. Let her lie and sleep, for when she awakens, she will astonish the world,'' wrote Napoleon…”

“China is a sleeping giant. Let her lie and sleep, for when she awakens, she will astonish the world,'' wrote Napoleon Bonaparte. I would like to title this speech ``The Case for a Special Relationship With China.'' Great nations almost always miss important changes outside their world. Such errors threaten their future in ways they never dreamed. History also has examples of leaders who saw challenges early and responded well. The leaders of Great Britain's late empire entirely missed the rise of the United States. Britain suffered years of combat in World Wars I and II before their American allies joined the fight. During both wars, the British Empire teetered in the balance. Conversely, President Truman wisely perceived his challenge in the Soviet Union and responded well. His actions contributed mightily to the winning of the Cold War. In the 19th century, not everyone missed the rise of the United States. As early as 1835, Alexander de Tocqueville saw in the future clearly when he wrote, ``Americans are already able to make their flag respected. In a few years, they will be able to make it feared.''”