In the end...they were right, but not until after those people who did not perceive them as a threat were moved out of the way and not until after a lot of tons of US Navy shipping was sunk by that supposedly impotent foe.
The Chinese are building a blue water Navy. Irrespective of what we think...or even know about our own capabilities (and we are in agreement regarding those capabilities), there can only be one point to such a navy in the Western Rim. Ultimnatley they plan to challenge us. We cannot take such a challenge lightly, or presume that they pose no threat and are incapavble of doing us harm.
That is my only point.
BTW, from my family to your...thanks for your service to our Republic.
Thank you for the message.