Are we in the opening scenes of a post-apocalyptic movie?

[Valmy]

I get the feeling that a great deal of production in east and south asia is a function of large populations.  They had a very productive food system that led to a larger population, the larger population produced more of an item because it was simply larger, but also consumed the items.

They had a very productive food system because they had what was for the time world class infrastructure and relatively stable social and political systems. 

They have a very productive food system because of climate and crops.

Both things can be true

Though I am not sure the food system was naturally as reliable as you think Raz as China has hundreds and hundreds of documented famines in its history.

[Razgovory]

Nobody in China thought they could profit by sailing to Europe and seeing what they had for sale? 

In Confucianist thought, merchants were the lowest rung of society, because Confucius claimed that they produced nothing and just exploited the labor of others.  So merchants had to be careful not to attract the attention of the tax farmers by appearing too wealthy. Most of China's trade was with southeast Asia, where, in fact, many Chinese expatriate communities sprung up to avoid Chinese government oppression.

In China itself there was little in the way of entrepreneurial spirit. Classical Chinese culture was very much (officially) opposed to desiring too much in the way of material goods.

That makes more sense.  Thank you.

[Josquius]

So what you're saying is that he coming global warming crisis will be the saviour of the western world? huzzah!

Wouldn't be surprised if there are some powerful morons in America actually thinking this way.
Certainly Russia is actively pro climate change.