I understand what you’re saying. But it is actually a good example of what’s done when the frog is put into the pot of warm water. By the time it’s boiling, it’s too late...the damage is done and there’s no way to get out of the pot.
I’m taking it easy on this one the bigger picture as I see it China has to be shut down economically because whichever country has the strongest economy is in the best position to win a war.
The US had more economic power could win the Cold War outspending the USSR on defense.
This little drama is part of a bigger picture out there.
Consider history FDR determined to send Germany and Japan messages in 1941 with economic measures and deployment of troops out into the Atlantic with the Navy accompanying convoys to the UK mid-way across the Atlantic.
And the Pacific Fleet moved out to Pearl Harbor.
In the here and now the US is taking measures and showing the flag in and around China right now the AUKUS alliance and so on.
A US warship entered an area claimed by China this morning.
Australian, US, UK defense ministers met in California last Friday.
The French Defense Minister in the Philippines last Friday talking a defense agreeent for joint military exercises.