Derek Zheng for Insider
- The US has started bracing its economy for a potential conflict with China, but it's a work in progress.
- A clash would be devastating, and experts say the US has work to do increase its military readiness.
- War would also have severe consequences for China and US allies in the Western Pacific.
In a showdown between the world's two largest powers, neither side is ever going to come to the table fully prepared for war. The mobilization required to fight in a global conflict is momentous, and until the fighting starts, it can be impossible to anticipate the scope of resources that are required.