The Chinese navy is also being strengthened through an agreement with Russia to build two diesel submarines at a cost of $1.6 billion that are to be completed by 2005. These Kilo-class submarines are among the world’s quietest submarines. The Hong Kong Sunday Morning Post believes “a new colossus may be forming in the east as Russia and China edge toward a symbiotic relationship that could create the world's next economic, military and space faring superpower.” Chinese President Hu Jintao used his first official trip abroad to visit Russia, a sign of the growing closeness of these two powers.

 

In addition, a newly completed oil pipeline from Siberia to the Chinese industrial center of Daqing, commits China to buy at least US$150 billion of Russian crude over 25 years as well as nearly US$5 billion in arms in the near future.  An expert at the Institute of Oriental Studies in Moscow says that many Russians are worried that one day China will become a super military problem for Russia and may even attempt to take Siberia away from them.

 

In keeping with prophecy, we are reminded that an army of 200 million will arise from what is today's China and be involved in the end time cataclysmic events of a terrible conflict. In light of these events which could be in the making, it behooves all believers to pray that the opportunities today will continue to be available to the church,, and many will come to find Christ as Lord and Savior.