B-29 Superfortresses from 500th BG, 73rd BW of 20th Air Force dropping incendiary bombs over Japan, 1945. Could the homeland withstand CONVENTIONAL unrestricted warfare?

One thing has me miffed.

Everyone (to include the Pentagon) seems to believe that a war with China will be "contained" to the units involved.  If not that then they assume that it will escalate to a nuclear affair.

But why?

Why is the idea that we could see an escalation of a regional conflict into one where EACH SIDES homeland is attacked.

Many don't realize it but the incendiary bomb attack on Tokyo was more horrific than the atomic bomb.  Many assumed that it wasn't an atomic weapon but instead that they had suffered another fire bombing.

Want to read some chilling stuff?

Read about what the British did to Dresden.

Fire Tornadoes.  Whirlwinds of fire burning even concrete?  Bodies burned beyond recognition and some to even a point that you couldn't even tell they were once human?

Fast forward to today and the ability of BOTH SIDES to have impacts on each others civilian population has escalated.

Everyone like to talk about cyber because its fashionable these days.  I think Covid helps get the brain wrapped around a biological threat.  We aren't even talking about chemical attacks yet.

Nightmare scenario?

China loads up a couple of cruise missile subs with thermobaric weapons and launches on Los Angeles with a focus on the business district/downtown.

Let's say they wait till o'dark thirty and hit Pendleton with Marines in their barracks and/or a few West Coast Naval Bases.

A war with China can turn horrible quick and that's before you get to nukes.

Sidenote.  Understand that our response to this will be particularly vicious. That is to not be underestimated, however I believe that the Chinese will do much to save face.  Including taking casualties that we would find shocking.