What - they're going to start conquored? 
ROTFL
Well I definitely hope China is not getting the short end of the stick this time around, it's becoming a gliche with western aurora players as if they hold a grudge against that country for not being warmongering dicks that invade middle-eastern countries for their oil.
Marski, China the nation isn't being made fun of here. It is just that in Steve's campaigns they have the absolute worst luck. I don't know for certain but I believe that Steve would set them up in his multi nation starts because he wants to have conflict and that he expects them to be a credible threat to the western powers (that large of a population directed to a purpose can be scary). It's just that no matter how he sets them up to be an equal threat, something happens that just hoses them. As Matt pointed out, it has become a running joke in his campaigns for that reason.
I believe that Steve is both amused by the outcome and determined to make them a credible threat. Since Steve plays this game for fun, I can't see any other reason for his continuing to include them.
I look forward to seeing what Steve plans are to make China a viable threat. It will, likely, surprise Steve not at all to know that I am also waiting to see what fate throws at China to dash his plans once again.
