I strongly agree. Whether you think China is butterflies and kittens (I do not) or unspeakably evil (I also do not) it seems like a so-called “war footing” is going to distort priorities and thus be less likely to achieve its goals than simply pushing back wherever the national interest (whatever that might be) Might require it.

Even with its current turmoil, the US is a far more resilient society and is more likely to prosper (and that is what prevailing or “victory” should mean) than China in its current configuration.