China: The Largest Company

As China has increasingly forged synergy to the idealism of communism with the economics of capitalism, China has become . . . the largest company in the world, albeit perhaps a not-for-profit company in their broader definition of profits and constituents.

We have admired how promising communist party leaders are trained and tested at various government and enterprise management posts.  And certainly the dictatorial aspects of corporations have been powerfully retained in the enterprise that is China.

Perhaps China is like Chevron, Soc Gen, Wal-Mart, Colgate, ATT, etc. -- all combined.  I wonder how long it will take before China is the sum of Apple, GE, P&G, GS, GOOG, etc.

Chinese challenge though may not be in pursuing the U.S., Japan, etc. It is likely not even their relentless need to pursue resources in Brazil, Africa, Canada . . . 

It may be the "must do" countries like Korea, Taiwan, UK, and Finland that will not allow China to [for-long] bask in its wins in the U.S./E-Zone/Japan.

And the era of 5-year plans continue.

Who is running this Planet?

In the last century, we speculated (likely first by sci-fi authors) that MNC (multi-national corporations) that transcend borders would ultimately control the world.  With lobbyists and super-pacs, it would seem that large enterprises (and individuals/families) are having increasing effect on politics.  And the "power that be" would seems to continue to influence amongst less transparent positions.

We do not seem to be paying enough attention the rise of the private armies and clandestine operations.  What does it mean when the most sophisticated military and spy (and likely cyber) operatives operate for hire (or for themselves)?

Who is running this planet?  Will anyone try to figure this out?