Shanghai, China – China has overtaken Japan to become the world’s second-largest economy, the fruit of three decades of rapid growth that has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.

“It’s time the world recognizes China as an economic power,” said a China man. “Soon the world will rise and fall on our poor economic decisions!” After a few cackles he added, “just kidding. We’re going to use the Yuan as leverage for the spread of free-market-communism. You’ll see.”

“Ummm, guys?” said a Federal economist from his San Francisco ocean-view window. “Guys, are you see this? On the horizon. No, past Japan. What’s that huge… wait. Is it looking at us? Oh my God! Run!”

Members of the Vice President’s Club, the Silver Medal Awardees and the cast of CBS’s JAG were all on stage for the economic award placement ceremony held earlier today. Japan’s delegation was notably absent, claiming they had a previous engagement to test a new robot. In their message, they also hinted that China didn’t build robots and that just fifty years ago had total control of the backwards country.

“China will surpass the US in 2025,” said an economist at the Des Moines Summer Economic Summit. “Why? Maybe because their people do work?” After a very long moment of silence he added, “any more stupid questions, Des Moiners?”