China’s objective is to push the USN out to what it regards as, “the second island chain”.
They’ll do several things:
1. Attack the electrical grid
2. Hack GPS
3. EMP attack
4. ASBM against 7th Fleet.
Immediate US deaths will ALL be USN and some USMC so that the Chinese cannot be accused of liquidating US cities.
They’ll rely on the USA just laying down for it, and ceding all of the west Pacific to the PLAN.
The US responses should be to buddy up to India and Singapore, aggressively sell Aegis and long-range missiles to Taiwan. Also sell more ships and subs —not the old stuff.
Do the same for Japan (which now gets stealthy visits from PLAN subs on a monthly basis or more).
And I think they should set up DE and robust submarine facilities in Iwo Jima —a measure that now seems puzzling but later might be handy.
During the 1st Clinton Admin, a high-ranking PLA general stated, “If the USA must chose between Taiwan and, say, Los Angeles, well, we know what the choice will be...”
So you have to give the Chinese an “A” for honesty.
They have been speaking honestly for...20 years?
Will the USA listen...?
I think not.
Singapore wouldn't be interested in becoming part of a US "picket line" - they have very good relations with China and a Swiss-like attitude toward Asian political differences.
The hope has always been that in leaving revolutionary Communism behind, China will mature into a giant Singapore, rather than taking a turn into a militarist. Imperial Japan-like stance. I still think this is the more likely outcome, but the fiscal profligacy of the United States over the last two decades has deprived us of most of the tools we could have used to encourage them in this direction. Now, we just have to hope they get there on their own, and internal dissent and economic disruption don't elevate a new Tojo to leadership in China.