numbers game, lame. If numbers matter China and India would still dominate, but we are where we are because it doesn't. I rather we be 1.3 billion useful people, than 1.3 billion morons too lazy, and comfortable to even change the channel.
We will continue this technological advancement in all fields because we have competition, like the Mars Missions, we wouldn't have made it a priority if India wasn't involved, but now that they are we must work to surpass them in the field without question, and thus the 2020 Mars rover.
Like a very important man once said, get your foot off my couch and get the hell out of my office.
Why are you thinking so inwardly? I think more outwardly and think of the broader perspective. The future for our region is to expand together, and to develop together. The future is in the heavens, @Genesis . The natural resources in this planet is finite, and will run out soon, fighting over for scraps will only lead to conflict and the loss of lives for our people.
The final answer to our energy needs is Helium-3, which will fuel nuclear fusion, and an provide unlimited energy. This can be mined in the moon, or in the gas giants in our solar system as well as in our immediate milkyway. I think that the space programs (successful at that) of Japan, China, United States will be indispensable to this goal. Energy security.
Together, East Asia can secure our resources. Together we can colonize new worlds and expand.