All we have are theories. Your entire OP is nothing but speculation.

If devolution is real and the COCOMs are in control, wouldnt it be likely that PeaceAndLovePatriots theory is being implemented to negate the threat an aggressive Chyna poses?

We know there are container missiles. We know they transport Fentanyl and other illegal drugs in containers. We suspect that weapons of all sorts come on these containers. We suspect that containers are used in human trafficking. It would only be prudent for a Commander of a theater of operations to check any ship that has stopped in China.

And we know the COCOM of the IndoPacific is Trump appointee Admiral John C. Aquilino. I found one book on his reading list very interesting:

'A Contest for Supremacy' by Aaron L. Friedberg Argues that our nation's leaders are failing to act expeditiously enough to counter China's growing strength. He explains how the United States and China define their goals and reveals the strategies each is now employing to achieve its ends.