What you’ve described just isn’t how China would go about the process unless provoked. While it may seem quaint, Chinese thinking on such matters does remain very closely aligned with Sun Tzu’s hierarchy of attack. 1. Attack the enemy’s strategy 2. Attack the enemy’s alliances 3. Attack the enemy’s army 4. Attack the enemy’s cities These are in order and Sun Tzu describes the final step as being “the least desirable and most costly”. At the same time, Beijing would be adding to is overall calculus its current relative position geopolitically speaking. Agree or disagree, Beijing views both European states and America as declining powers. There is simply more to be gained by remining patient and doing nothing. I do, however, very much appreciate your comment and raising a different perspective. If nothing else, we can just appreciate having differing opinions which is totally fine.