As I see it, there are three options here. I vote for option #3.
1. Take the path of least resistance, and concede that the eastern Pacific will inevitably become a Chinese sea. Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, etc. will just have to suck it up.
2. Increase US forces in the region. Be ready to stare down the Chinese tiger.
3. Unleash Japan. And give them all the technical support they need (yep, including nukes). But it’s their part of the world. They must take the lead.
I like it.
Lord knows they know how to wreak havoc when they want.
Let Japan take care of this mess. They’ll design some awesome military weapons too.
I think the threat of them attacking Pearl again are slim.l
Plus we could get our troops out of there