This is probably all performative, to some degree or another.

What makes you think that? Could it be Trump's undeniable excessive staffing of his administration with personalities from the Fox Newsian propaganda performative network... or as Trump would describe it "central casting"?

What Trump is doing more closely resembles the casting of a reality television show to serve Trump himself and his own best interests and "not so much" the staffing of a qualified administration meant to serve the American people.

Was it not comedy gold today to watch these unqualified clowns and former Fox Newsian talking heads -- and current ones for that matter -- fall all over themselves to "clean up on aisle Trump" after he announced the United States will occupy the Mideast? And spare me the ridiculous "Trump playing 3-D chess" absolute asinine bullshit; incompetence doesn't begin to describe it.

I agree that the invasion would be fantastically difficult and risky for China's untested military, especially if the invasion was opposed by the US Navy and Air Force.

However, I wouldn't just relegate the job of blockading the Chinese economy to a couple of destroyers in the Malacca Straits. Inexperienced or not, the Chinese Navy and Missile Forces are pretty strong, and those two destroyers - stationed alone in the sea lanes - would go down pretty quick.

No, it would be a real full-scale naval and air war in the Western Pacific, and as Chris says, if it took place during the Trump administration (before 2029) there is a question as to how far this president would order the Pentagon to risk American lives and assets in a war, even if that war was definitely in America's long-term interests regarding keeping Taiwan independent and economically viable.

BUT - there's no way to be sure which way Trump would lean, and how hard. The Chinese are not risk-takers at this level. They'll want to feel pretty confident they can fend off the carriers, not just a destroyer or two. And who knows, these days, just how well a carrier task force will fare off the coast of a well-defended China?

Obviously China wouldn’t even consider invading Taiwan until it has the military capabilities needed to win. My understanding is not before 2027, as amphibious assault is one of the most complex and difficult military actions to do.

As far as experience, China’s 75 year old military has had little more than border skirmishes with India and the Soviets and an unsuccessful war against Vietnam. Oh, and Tiananmen Square. The distance to Taiwan is 80 miles at the closest point and there’s no way the world won’t notice the pre-invasion buildup.

China imports 80% of both its energy and agricultural inputs and most of it can be easily throttled at the Straits of Malacca. Couple destroyers would probably do the trick. So I wouldn’t lose any sleep over Commie China invading Taiwan.

Not factually accurate..

Rubio tells Panama to reduce Chinese influence in canal area or face US action

Mulino also said he would not renew Panama’s belt and road initiative with China and invited the state department to promote US investment in the country.

It's a start...

Panama President proves he is willing to address some of PRESIDENT Trump's concerns... :D

Once again, PRESIDENT Trump is getting shit done for America.. :D

This would be a complete disaster. The American military could certainly retake the Panama Canal, there's no doubt about that. But the shockwaves from doing so would be felt worldwide. It might even precipitate the "World War III" that Trump promised he'd avoid.

You DO realize that ya'all have been pushing that TRUMP WILL START WWIII!!!! hysterical fear mongering BS since Jun of 2015...

It's REALLY getting old, yunno??

HOW *exactly* can PRESIDENT Trump securing the Panama Canal with troops start WWIII???

:eyeroll:

Invading Taiwan will never have looked so good, for them.

China will not dare to invade Taiwan while PRESIDENT Trump is in office...

That's just fear-mongering, pure and simple..

Maybe Trump would just refuse to help defend Taiwan at all.

There are absolutely ZERO facts to support this conjecture..

It's nothing but Trump/America hate and PTDS talking..

Every scenario is pretty frightening to even contemplate.

Not factually accurate.. There are PLENTY of scenarios you COULD contemplate that would be beneficial to America, Americans and the World Order..

IF you were so inclined to contemplate them, I mean...

The simple fact is, PRESIDENT Trump is moving at warp speed to keep all his promises he has made..

PRESIDENT Trump still has a ways to go, but he's off to an awesome start.. :D

And America and Americans are behind him..

Perhaps ya'all should consider getting behind PRESIDENT Trump for the good of the country, eh??

I'm just sayin'.. :D

The Senate confirmed AG Pam Bondi in a bipartisan vote.. :D

Democrats simply CAN'T stop the PRESIDENT Trump train!!! :D

Can't wait until she purges the Merritt Garland riff-raff from the DOJ...

Army recruiting shatters records after President Trump election win

"Our Recruiters have one of the toughest jobs – inspiring the next generation of #Soldiers to serve. Congratulations and keep up the great work! #BAYCB," Army recruiting officials wrote in a post on X.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/army-recruiting-shatters-records-president-030924061.html

Now that we have a REAL POTUS at the helm, everyone wants to serve! :D

Americans are flocking to the winning side. :D

As I understand it, China has its own timetable for Taiwan, and it's based on growing its military capabilities for projecting decisive force across the Strait in the face of Taiwanese resistance backed by the U.S. The deadline for the prep is, I think I read, 2030.

So suppose Trump did do something military to Panama, as you say in a worst-case scenario? Sure, that breaks international law and destroys U.S. credibility about resisting foreign-country takeovers. But would China really just suddenly decide it's time to invade Taiwan because the optics are so much better vis-a-vis U.S. rhetoric? I don't think so. Trump might or might not decide to defend Taiwan, as you say, but why woulod the Chinese take that chance - when their plan (I believe) is to do the deed when they're good and ready, no matter which U.S. president is in office.