Deterrence is many magnitudes cheaper than having to fight. The US should up defense spending to 10% of GDP, it will be cheaper in the long run than fighting a war (let alone the cost of losing).

That could trigger a popular revolt.

Of course they are. They'd be stupid not to.

The US has definitely been preparing for war with China, just like they have with other possible foes. That's not a guarantee that war will happen - si vis pacem, para bellum and all.

Especially when a US general says "We'll be at war with China within 2 years". They'd be absolutely negligent not to prepare for a war with the US.

They want Taiwan and if/when they try to take it they’ll need to be able to defeat the US. Which they will do with shit-tons of cheap drones.

This seems like China and the US are both engaging in a welfare program for their militaries by running this perpetual "will China invade?!" sideshow.

Quietly give Taiwan some ground-based ICBMs and a couple fully-stocked Ohio-class subs, and this all goes away for a very low price.

I realize this proposal is total madness, but so is a hot war between China and the US, and this is a pretty good way to guarantee that that scenario stays off the table.

ground-based ICBMs and a couple fully-stocked Ohio-class subs

(as in medium to long range nukes, and nuclear-powered subs) ?

Yes that's the implication