[Crucial]

Yes, this is true but when will we ever have this much leverage?

[RoosterRedux]

I think events themselves (many of them caused by China) have conspired to bring the world to the brink of war with China.

Funny how that works.

I'm not a gambler, but I do appreciate odds and statistics. It looks like there is little China can or will do to change course. Xi has backed himself into a corner...and losing face by blinking is difficult given his culture.