[beatnavy]

I agree with everything here. China is being very crafty and patient, naturally. We hear taking Taiwan is Xi's top priority, ideally with the semiconductor and other manufacturing intact. They'll first try all means short of a hot war including subversion and intimidation. If that doesn't work, invasion is still on the table, particularly if the timing is right and they sense weakness and hesitation from the world, particularly the Quad countries (Australia, US, India, Japan).

At some point US Leadership is going to have to publicly acknowledge a new "cold war" instead of tiptoeing around it. That is dangerous and has repercussions, and it actually asks the people to make sacrifices (e.g., pay higher prices for things). But it also provides clarity, which has advantages. People are more willing to sacrifice and unite with clarity. You tend to focus once you recognize real danger.