1. This is the salient point about Pelosi. She is an extremely dislikeable character. A complete Karen, when there wasn't even a word for that. She just is a plain a-hole! Some Americans did not want her coming back. So here was a chance to finally get rid of her for good, and the PLAAF did not deliver. I think people are extra wound up about this because of the heel involved.

2. What was interesting was all the threats the PRC made, that came from Mr. Hu the retired editor of Global Times. He said there will be an intercept, and yet, none was attempted. There can only be three possibilities, that that was the plan but they got cold feet, or that was the plan but they changed their mind, or it was never part of the plan and it was all misdirection. We will not find out any time soon.

3. There will be major exercises, that when they are doing it, seems like full blockade for a few hours at least.

4. Who made all these decision? My guess was this was a collective party decision, involving political people and military people. Just speculating here, just imagine a meeting, and someone says, I hate Pelosi! We should get rid of her and her broomstick once and for all!" Then some general would speak up and say, "Why not hold major exercises, including on the east side of Taiwan, where we can practice various things. Her provocation gives us cover to do this. Besides, there is more military value in this type of exercise, than shooting down that broomstick." If someone said that in such a hypothetical meeting, kind of obvious whose idea will win out.

5. That map from the People's Daily I believe, looks more like a full invasion plan than a mere exercise. This episode is not over yet. I thought it would be over by now, but wrong again. Looks like this will escalate a little bit more.

6. What is the proper response to all of this? Just talking about ourselves.

This is what happened.

The Americans ran away from Afghanistan with their tails between their legs. And yet, they have not missed a beat, the Americans are the same as ever. There was some hand wringing initially, then as expected, everyone forgot about it.

Although both episodes are not equivalent stories, the hand wringing seems remarkably similar. Like there will be serious consequences for China when they did not do the intercept, according to those who wanted to see more.