In our first of three episodes on China, Jack Murphy and our guest, former CIA analyst and China expert Gail Helt, discuss how today's China came to be, why Taiwan is so important, and how the coming years of relations with China will decide whether or not we go to war. Follow Gail Helt on Twitter @ghelt and Miltary Matters @stripesmmpod Email us with you questions or comments at militarymatters@stripes.com