Read the plot of Sum of All Fears. It's basically this, Russia gets blamed for an attack in attempt to start WW3 with U.S. and Russia.
My prediction/theory is this:
Israel launches a missile at AF1 or the U.S. and tries to blame Russia.
Trump is going to South Korea later this month for the APEC Summit. Could happen then... which will lead the "precipice" (perhaps a similar situation as the Cuban missile crisis) and Red October (world wide market crash).
Edit: Alternatively, it might be blamed on Iran
"Tariff war".... If Xi really wanted to fight Trump on tariffs, Xi could stop all ships coming here from Chyna for a couple weeks. The stores would be empty real quick.
Just a thought. I welcome discussion whether my thinking is wrong.
Edit: I am wrong! Stopping shipping is not feasible. However I still think Xi is working with Trump
