I agree with some of your points. If it means an all out war, I would be reluctant to see us involved, unless they attack our forces. As far as the CCP being a paper tiger. They have jumped ahead of the US in some key areas. AI for one, manueverable anti ship missles for another, They also have the advantage of a short supply line as well as the ability to quickly replace ship losses. Pentagon planners project even a victory would result in WW2 type losses in ships and planes to the US Navy and allies. It would be bloody no mstter who won.