Yeah, I agree. I was using Crimea just to illustrate that USA wouldn't be so quick to risk heavy losses and confrontation with nuclear power. Especially over some distant territory. China isn't Iraq and can bite back. That's what I wanted to say.
And I did say that far likely scenario would be a cold war stalmate with proxy wars, just like you mentioned. Nobody wants to die in nuclear holocaust, not even Kim.
For the record: I don't think China's or Russia's goal is to conquer world militarily. They are copying USA strategy of influence and soft force to get their way. I think that's what's pi..ing off Yanks the most. They know how easy it is to bring down governments and influence people. You've seen them go berserk over Russian meddling, because they know first hand what little meddling can achieve
