Your title implies a comparison of US & Chinese capabilities to wage war any where on earth. The USA really still holds a decisive advantage there, so you should really edit your title.

but your article takes on the much more relevant question of a war over Taiwan or the South China sea.

In that context the USA is stronger for a short war, and as you point out seems ill-positioned to win a protracted battle close to China's shores. I am not sure there is really anything the USA can do about this.

From a tactical perspective it seems providing support against a lightning fast attack on Taiwan is probably the most important tactical thing to ensure.

And then to have strong enough relations with China that neither of us really WANTS to have any kind of battle.

I am no Putin apologist, but I feel we really rubbed salt in the wound by loudly shouting about joining NATO. I think we should be working towards some political accommodations with China regarding our areas of conflict. They are a growing power, and we need to acknowledge that. Still they really don't want to be at war with all of their neighbors, so maybe there is a good political negotiation that could happen around rights in the south china sea???