We also assume that China would not attack the U.S. homeland … given its minimal capacity to do so with conventional weapons

Jfc you weren’t kidding, these people are actually detached from reality. Amerikkkans really can’t comprehend the reality of war since they haven’t actually experienced it as a population since the civil war. 100% the war would start with America attacking, getting a bloody nose, losing a carrier or two, and launching nukes at China.