It is definitely a time to be prepared - both in business and personally.
I noticed this item (
LINK ). It seems that China's official media said:
"Due to deepening economic difficulties and social security problems since the second half of 2008, enterprise closedowns, layoffs and labour disputes have significantly increased, triggering a rise in mass incidents," it said.
"Economic pressures affect the sentiment of various social strata, and disadvantaged groups in particular are seeing their livelihood threatened. Their pent-up discontent could easily burst out... and spark mass conflicts."
Of course, if China were to face both economic distress and food shortages, matters might become more problematic.