@rst i hope so. if the US is simultaneously involved in a major middle east war while also deterring russia in europe, a third front would be rather difficult to sustain.

i would take announcements about readiness with boulders of salt. i certainly don’t claim to know anything about China’s current capacity, but if you were ready today and your intention is to act, not to deter, dissembling your unpreparedness helps you achieve an element of surprise.