Hacker News Reader

The US - both the general public and the state itself - vastly overestimated the capabilities of the Soviet armed forces.

I don’t think that’s true for China, at least not today.

The Soviets had vast presence in Europe and were credible ideological opponents.

China is contained in South East Asia and poses no ideological threat to the West.

Are you unaware of China's Belt and Road initiative? Confucious Institutes at U.S. universities?

Plus, countries like Korea are nervous with all this talk of closing bases. China is a likely new ally if they feel they can't rely on the US.