US response on Chinese-linked cyber attacks

U.S. telecoms firms AT&T and Verizon said late last year their networks had been targeted by the cyber hackers, but were now secure as they worked with the U.S. government and law enforcement. The United States has take steps in response to Chinese-linked cyber-espionage operations against U.S. telecoms firms. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of the United States said “We have taken steps in response to Salt Typhoon, in response to Volt Typhoon, we have sent clear messages to the PRC about what it would actually mean if they acted to disrupt American critical infrastructure and how we would respond,” what is the worst that can happen to China ?