[mytailorisrich]

> If they are not willing to go to war over Taiwan

They are not willing to do to war over Taiwan. The opposite would be insane. Equally China is not willing (and able) either.

This is a balance of threats with both sides knowing where to stop.

The US are obviously not stupid and they never committed to intervene against China. They have just committed to 'help' and make sure that Taiwan can defend itself, which is very different.

> Military confrontation between US and Chinese forces does not mean WWIII

It does when the US directly attack the Chinese over Chinese territory.

I.e. the US would be declaring war on China. I would not let anyone who does not see the insanity of that prospect have a job in government.