"The biggest issue flying under the radar is the huge purge taking place in China.

Over 100 senior officers (generals and lieutenant generals) were purged or are missing since 2022. Roughly 87% of three-star officers who held rank in 2022 or were promoted later have been affected. Of 44 military full members of the Central Committee elected in 2022, around 25–26 have been expelled. We are probably watching a battle of networks and patronage for control of China's fatted calfs but because it is so opaque to Western publics it is hard to say "who's on first?"

While one of the aims of the Chinese leadership is to restore China to where they believe it ought to be (ie the premier state on the planet) their overriding concern is to retain and enhance their power and wealth within China itself. In all totalitarian regimes, maintaining power and eliminating rivals is always a first-priority issue.