I'm not interested in Gen Z style debates. Throwing around words like "gaslighting" doesn't mean you have an argument. My point is clear: if China decides on adventurism then it's in for a tough time and it will lose the good will it has spent time building. It is as simple and incontestable as that.
I don't think so.
This is how it is going to go down, as they use to say on the streets.
It will happen old school style. First isolation, then attack. If required.
The if required part probably is the key part. But first, isolation of the would be enemy is the number one priority.
So under those conditions, an isolated enemy, that offends China, then the PLA and military will throw its weight around.
Under different circumstances, it will not happen.