Military confrontation between China and USA highly probable in near future

For over half a century, China has wanted to incorporate the independent island of Taiwan - which remained so after the civil war - into itself. However, it has been unable to do so because the militarily superior USA has declared that it will intervene in such an act.

Nevertheless, China has become increasingly strong economically and militarily over the decades, leading it to once again assert its claim to the island. These claims have been emphasized by military displays in the waters around Taiwan.

In a recent interview, Finnish expert on international politics Risto E.J. Penttilä said that he believes there will be some kind of military confrontation between the USA and China in the near future. This could mean, for example, a collision between two aircrafts or something similar.

However, it is clear that there are not yet the elements of a major war. Instead, it is clear that the USA and China are in a cold war with no end in sight. And we can only hope that it will not turn into a hot war at some point e.g. due to a human error.

If an actual war is avoided, the question arises as to when the cold war will end. In my own estimation, it will end if China is able to become militarily stronger than its rival, which would allow it to incorporate Taiwan into itself. If this does not happen - and the USA remains stronger - the cold war will eventually thaw as China declares that economic cooperation is more sensible than continuing the cold war due to a reluctant island nation.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Will China ally with Russia against Ukraine?
The main consequence of Putin´s attack to Ukraine
Once upon a time in China and Taiwan