Do not assume China would fight on Western terms

Would China prefer side wars in Southeast Asia or Africa rather than risk an unacceptable direct loss to the United States and its allies?

Do not assume a Western pattern of war; China would try to choose the timing and form of any conflict for itself.

The question proposes possible side wars in Southeast Asia or Africa as a way to avoid an unacceptable loss of face in a direct US confrontation. That still assumes China would define and conduct war as Western planners do. The enemy has a vote and can choose a different sequence, location, or method. If China entered a war with the United States, it would seek conditions suited to Chinese aims rather than the scenario most convenient for Western analysis. A later exchange adds another source of uncertainty: leaders may become overconfident after deciding they understand the opponent, while reactions inside the opposing government remain difficult to predict.