Why a Chinese-American naval war could escalate quickly

How might an all-out war between the Chinese and American navies unfold if neither side had allies?

Submarine fighting would probably precede carrier operations around a blockade. Mutual attacks on sensors could reduce targeting accuracy and increase the risk of nuclear escalation.

In this hypothetical conflict, submarine fighting would probably come first. American carrier groups would then engage mainly land threats while attempting a blockade, with Chinese carriers trying to provide a buffer. Both sides would try to degrade the other's sensor network. As targeting accuracy declined, pressure to use more destructive weapons could grow. Rapid nuclear escalation is the warning offered here, rather than a confident prediction of victory or duration.