What would happen if the unstoppable American urge to cling on to global dominance runs smack into the immovable Chinese resolve not to be bullied into submission?

Well, a continuation of the existing tense but still non-violent stand-off is probably the best one can hope for. However, there is at least an even chance that sparks will fly and thus ignite a firestorm that some observers say is just waiting to happen. The next few months before the American presidential election in early November will be especially dangerous.