Since my early years here on OzPol.
I've often said that it will be a War of
...Russia v China.
It sounds 'currently' improbable.
But the true nature of success to soften a Global Nuclear War would be to have the two bad guys cancel each other out to as great a degree as possible.
My reasoning is that the USSR basically hammered the Chinese into Communistic submission, let alone stole a lot of Chinese held lands.
Then the USSR folded on a broken promise (by the USA liars) and to the CCP - that was a betrayal and show of weakness.
Long before, I always said that Russia is just a rusted out version of the USSR, with Putin no more than a Gang lord of Capitalism.
If Russia suddenly decides or is forced to become 'Pro-European' one day, then that will be a 'reversal of fortune' against China.
Invading Russia and taking resource rich Siberia for the Yellow Man, is a far more advantageous action for the CCP.
There is already 500,000+ Chinese living across the border in Russia and a lot with CCP uniforms.
Putin can't and dares not to do anything about it.
China will not invade Taiwan until the American Election time for obvious reasons.
China's Pacific Navy is bigger than the USA's entire Global Navy.
But we know that the USA is the Bald Eagle and the world's best at Aviation. That's their strong point.
Their Navy is their weak point.
Considering the way the Ukraine War is being conducted.
Tanks, Ships, etc - are all just targets for missiles and in a modern scheme of things are basically past their used by date. Remember the Sheffield Wednesday British ship being gone in 60 seconds via an Argie with a portable missile launcher.
If anything, North Korea will be the one that brings the USA into the Conflict. Other than that, the CCP will get its revenge on the Russians for their Soviet past.
...oh, btw. That's why Trump was given a big show of welcome by the CCP. While Putin sulked in the shadows.
Trump was basically laying down the law with the CCP that USA under him will be no 'direct' threat. Which kinda pleased China and made them growl at Russia a bit.
Smart man, Trump - despite his personality.