The recent act of war by North Korea serves to confirm my already strong belief that it is perhaps a greater threat to our and the world's security than any other enemy.

The immediate reaction of the soldier in me was that we should bomb North Korea back into the Stone Age. Of course, in many aspects they are not that far advanced beyond the Stone Age now. My reaction as a diplomat is that the president's reaction may be the better course to follow.

But the lack of any response by China speaks volumes. That China did not immediately come forth and condemn this aggressive act by its ally should send a message to the world that China, in many ways, is no better than North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-il.

The U.S. is the largest customer for Chinese exports. Part of the profits from those exports fund China's vast military, which is far greater than its "official" budget reveals. An embargo by the U.S. on all Chinese products would send a strong message to the Chinese government.