It takes two to tango. Provocation does not guarantee hot war. The cold war -- i.e. trade war -- between China and the U.S. is very real. Whether or not the CCP is directly responsible for spreading the current SARS-CoV-2 'thing', the resulting circumstances have intensified the urgency for serious domestic realignments. BOTH China and the U.S. are suffering economically. Historically, economic distress has been a precursor to hot war. FTA in the comment link:  I believe that China's actions today may be telegraphing an intent we are choosing to ignore.  They show all the signs of a nation preparing to attack America.  China seeks a bespoke world run by China with "Chinese characteristics" — a dream that under Trump was drifting away. China appears to be laying the groundwork for a "justified" attack on the United States, perhaps in the South China Sea or perhaps elsewhere.  It will be a military attack, not an act of terrorism, and the excuse will be America's deliberate transmission of COVID-19 in Wuhan.  When the Chinese became accusatory, it's telling that they didn't blame the CIA, always the usual suspect.  No, they blamed it on American soldiers.  American military deliberately infecting China is an act of war worthy of a military response.  Valid points. There is a BIG difference between (1) possible Chinese intent to take Taiwan and (2) China's "attacking America" -- by attacking military on site in the Pacific/South China Sea region OR an attack on our homeland. The former being a national interest issue that COULD involve some sort of response by the Trump administration. The latter being a direct attack that would necessitate a quick and forceful self-defense response. An argument could be made that either or both of these potentials might constitute "starting a war with America," but the differences are stark. I guess we'll see. EDIT: Well, hell. You added to your reply post. I might swing back by sometime. But my old eyes are too heavy at the moment. Be well.