interesting truth

If China really wants war its fairly easy to accomplish as there are two theaters readily at hand, Korea and Taiwan.

American Naval and Air superiority would likely doom a Taiwan adventure...assuming of course that America actually intervenes. This would be the most disadvantageous for China as it would play directly into the United States strengths and not even cause undue stress even with the ongoing ops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Korea has many advantages for China, the same ones enjoyed during the war of the 50's. However, open confrontation as opposed to the thinly disguised indirect confrontation of that past war would open the whole of China to American response...objectively in direct combat I would say the Chinese airforce could absorb the punishment it would take for a couple months, the main strength for China is in the raw mass of SAMs, of course these would be diluted somewhat by the distances to be protected.

All in all, short of nukes and unforseen frictional conditions...even a renewed Korean conflict would likely end with the same results, but with military deaths in the millions for both Koreas and China...hundreds of thousands for America, et al.

I'm not trying to be a "homer" here...just giving you a rough assessment of how the scenarios would "likely" work out.

Malize is right, if China really wanted an excuse for a "western-style" war all she has to do is attack Taiwan. But China isn't really looking for a "western-style" war, China is looking to become the dominate nation of the 21st century (and beyond).

I say "western-style" war because if we use an "eastern" definition the USA and the PRC are already "at war". Just as Iran and America are already at war.

I suggest you read 'The Art of War' and take another look at the Sino-American relationship. I think you'd have a better understanding of the situation.

To extend the oft misquoted Clausewitz line, "War is the continuation of politics is the continuation of economics..."

Actual conflict would be foolish and rash for China. Especially since historically the culture and politics have always been of long term view there. If anything this long term view perfectly complements classic Marxist thought and the Communist dialectic. If they are true believers there is no need for direct confrontation, irregardless of perceived slight.

Instead of Sun Tzu, I'd suggest Keegans "The Art of War"