Yes, China is a serious contender on the ground but does not own the tactical high ground. Remember when Trump launched the Tomahawks into Syria when he was eating dinner with the Chinese president, pretty funny. If there was a space race the United States is about 30 years ahead. China does own many shipping ports within the United States and power companies.

Each country, United States, China, Russia, India, all hold unique positions of global influence in their regions and around the world.

One thing you need to understand about President Trump (personal experience with him) that he is extremely intelligent and will never be the smartest man in the room until he knows the position of everyone there and then will adapt for his best possible outcome. Another thing he likes to do other than sandbag is he plays the deception card or poker face very well. He also likes to give people hints along the way of his direction just to see if others pick up on it (they often become supporters of his strategy along the way.) Something else Trump will do is allow himself to lose a "battle" (deal) to give an illusion of weakness (fools hand) to later catch someone off guard.

Ultimately he is positioning the United States to break free from the Federal Reserve. I wouldn't be surprised if we later find out that Trump was a major behind the scenes player in the BRICS and that Trump's post, in your original post, was nothing more than deception for the globalist (not intended for you and I) in an Art of War. Almost reminds me of some book he had. 🤔

NOTE: I definitely like your long form. 👍