This is quite the pickle: China's economy is in shambles and crumbling. Its politicians are desperate to maintain their power and dominance over their population, and the only way to do that is to keep them busy with jobs and consumerism. Of course, one way to turn this situation around would be to take over Taiwan, with its 80% share of the world's semiconductor supply. Doing so would bolster China's economy markedly as well as improve its strategic position, economy-wise. You don't like us? Fine, no chips for you.

But wait, China's economy is crumbling and because of this, the jobs & consumerism busywork scheme breaks down in the near future. Another possible way to achieve the same end would be ... to go to war.

The West, not just the USA, desperately need Taiwan to remain independent from China. This is the only way to ensure that the silicon flows to the West and that it isn't infested by foreign spying features.

So in essence, the Chinese dictatorial class will definitely and absolutely go to war in order to get Taiwan. And the West can't afford to let them do so.

I don't see how we aren't headed into World War III on the short term, and by that I mean HOT WAR, none of that pussyfooting around blowing up a plant here, an ammo depot there, etc.