U.S.- Chinese War possibilities?

[Weederr33]

I need some help from you political-savvy people out there! I am currently working on an idea for a short story/novel (or whatever you wanna call it). The idea I have so far is that the US and China go to war, and China invades the US. Sure it may be a little like that stupid game Home Front, but the general premises is much different. For now I'm more worried about the politics, because I want this to be a plausible idea.

Here's what I've got in summary form:
China forms new relations with Iran because of the countries enormous spike in demand for oil.

The US, and EU begin placing sanctions on China, condemning it for its relationship with a less-liked country.

Meetings are held in Seoul, and China is further harassed about it's relationship with Iran. The US secretary of state warns of "serious consequences" if it does not discontinue its relationship with Iran.

In defiance, China sinks a Japanese oil tanker (or raids it and steals its cargo).

After peace talks fail, the US goes into a mass media hysteria.

The US and South Korea deploy naval battle ships to the Sea of Japan in order to counter any further attacks

A naval battle ensues, and eventually a US island is invaded. (it is a fictional island).

China soon invades the US mainland in a blitzkrieg maneuver.

Ok so that's the basic idea leading up to the main story. It's basically all about oil and "bad relationships" but I feel as though it is missing something. How do you all feel about that idea? I'm just trying to avoid the whole Russian-American idea because it's so cliche. Any ideas, tips, or refinement are welcome! Thanks!

[Zoolander]

Well, one major issue is that China does not have the naval capabilities to invade the US mainland.

And of course the idea that the US would place sanctions on China for dealing with Iran. Thats really not plausible.

[Doombard]

grammar

[Aurara]

Are people not aware of the fact that the US has a major geographical advantage with an ocean on each side of the country?

[bechyni]

BUT WHAT ABOUT A CANADIAN INVASION!?

[Plow]

The closest thing to realistic is the US making a move on China's oil directly, not dumb political games involving states nobody really likes.

[Plow]

and by China's oil I mean saying "ok fuck this we're taking the oil from iraq"

[Tajin]

Why would China retaliate on a Japanese tanker out of all things?

[Iku]

China economy is very strong now. It is stupid to pick a war against US when US has military based on Korea, Japan and Philippines, while Chinese has no military bases anywhere near US; and throw away your economy lead.

[Ksandra]

When it comes to writing, you really really need to write about what you know or it'll fall flat. If you don't know enough about Chinese/Iranian/Us politics you're going to be fucked. Asking general questions on a forum won't be the answer. You need to sit down and do some insane research if you want your back story to be solid.

[Ksandra]

Also, china being the world power has been a going theme for a lot of science fiction books for about 10 years now. You could use them for ideas, or at least to make sure you don't end up creating a similar story.

[bechyni]

Yeah you need to write about something you know...like Ksandra did with cooking. Or something of that nature

[Headspace]

Or you could just write small fake news articles and send them in to Fox.

[Doombard]

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/a...vel/ohsnap.gif

Or you could just write small fake news articles and send them in to Fox.

[Ksandra]

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/a...vel/ohsnap.gif

I can't think of the last time I saw that .gif

[Tajin]

Today 12:18 PM

[The Stig]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...-win-cover.jpg

[ronin sparthos]

Why would China retaliate on a Japanese tanker out of all things?

Payback for WWII?

Edit: Goddammit Stig, I was thinking of that. lol

[Avinor]

Nuclear deterrent
Most powerful conventional military in the world
Allies with many(all?) other powerful conventional/nuclear powers
China is the single largest holder of our foreign debt
We are China's largest customer
World economy still greatly hinges on our economy

Even if you deus-ex-machina the question of 'could', you still have to deal with the question of 'would'.

[archibaldcrane]

20 years from now, China's economy is in shambles. Their worker population is decimated by decades of the "one-child" policy, they have a huge percentage of elderly who are draining social funds and everyone is discontent.

To distract their population from the problems at home, they manufacture a reason for the US to attack a nation they are allied with, and they invade.

Go.