I have no idea one way or the other if it is truely a prelude to war, none of can know that at this time.
As Americans we pursue our strategic goals with an overwhelming military and devious control of the worlds financial markets to influence countries to modify behaviors we don’t like. It’s been successful and occasionally we’ve had to use actual military means to enforce it. We’re like the Romans in that. Play along - get along or get clobbered.
We are wrong to assume that other nations will always simply “react” to world events and opportunities only. To assume that they would never implement actual offensive actions to modify or defeat their perceived enemies (America) is short sighted.
We look at chess and assume it’s simply a passive game of maneuver and strategy. Every time you take piece from the other player it is a representation of combat not a diplomatic maneuver.
Because of the Cold War and nuclear annihilation it is common to believe no modern world power would engage in a “direct” offensive attack against another who could respond significantly with nuclear weapons.
A historic strategy of military commanders is to utilize a feint whenever useful to draw an enemy in, distract, or lull them in to inattentiveness.
This is foundational in asymmetrical warfare and at the heart of China’s military doctrine. It is documented and their is no crime in a military planner making these plans.
The question is will or have the Chines leadership resort to them. We have pushed CCP hard these last three years upsetting the proverbial Apple cart with the new trade negotiations. Their economy is so opaque it is always difficult to know how much trouble the CCP is in economically and their ability to hold on to power.
Is this a prelude to war? Don’t know - can’t know.
I do know that if the leadership and military of my country are not at least considering it, watching for it, and preparing for it then they are failing us.