China is preparing for war - or so it seems. A BBC report opens as follows:

A Pentagon report given to Congress says Beijing is spending far more on its military budget than admitted and calls for greater transparency.

The report highlights China's greater ability to mount pre-emptive strikes, citing new submarines, unmanned combat aircraft and sophisticated missiles.

China said in March it was increasing its military spending by 17.8% in 2007 but it still lags far behind the US.

A UPI report featured on Monsters and Critics states the following, in part, about what is being witnessed by military experts:

A new Pentagon report claims China is building an expanded military with a force projection far beyond its home area.

'Analysis of China`s weapons acquisition ... suggest(s) China is looking beyond Taiwan as it builds its force,' states the Defense Department`s annual report to Congress on 'Military Power of the People`s Republic of China.'

Putting these tidbits of information together, I think we can safely conclude that at least a portion of the military power which the Bible refers to as "the kings of the east" is assembling at this point in human history. In the Tribulation Period to come, this massive force will cross a dried Euphrates River marching its way to the Middle East and, ultimately, the battle of Armageddon.

As I often state, it is almost surreal to look at what is going on around us through the lens of Bible prophecy. While most people consider Taiwan to be China's only military interest, the experts are saying they believe China is looking beyond Taiwan. That's exactly what I believe Bible prophecy tells us as well, as recorded in Revelation 16:12.

Revelation 16:12: And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

With every passing day it becomes more clear that what the Bible predicted would happen in the prophetic future is, in fact, going to occur. Not only that, it is potentially going to take place very soon!

Maranatha!