But the fact that America buys Kuwaiti oil did prevent it from being bombed back by decades. That probably motivated the US to intervene in Saddam's invasion.

But the fact that America buys Kuwaiti oil did prevent it from being bombed back by decades. That probably motivated the US to intervene in Saddam's invasion. Obviously, trade between a hegemon and a small country isn't going to deter wars of imperialism. Because the hegemon can force the trade relationship. But it should deter war between the US and China. China's leaders want to survive. If they stop the gravy train of trade, they're putting their own survival at risk.