[rmlew]

Is someone on crack over there?
Subs are the most effective anti-Sub units. We need them to protect our surface fleet and to project forces.
North Korea, Iran, and China all have submarines.
Since we only keep 1/3 of our subs deployed at a time, we only have 18 SSN's ready at any time. 4 to 8 are protecting our carriers. An equal number would be needed to protect our MEU's and transports if we were to invade or resupply a beliguered ally (Taiwan?).
Given a two front war, we could run out of subs quickly, even if two-thirds of our fleet were dployed.

[LurkedLongEnough]

No argument. I saw the bumpersticker today: "There are only two kinds of ships: submarines and targets". hehe Everyone has their favorites.

Supposedly, China has plenty of submarines, but they are hopelessly outdated, except for two stealth Kilos from Russia. China has limited amphibious attack capability compared with their well-trained and equipped neighbors.

[spetznaz]

If (when?) war between Taiwan and China breaks out, and the US steps in militarily to defend Taiwan, then (and I am serious) just Freepmail me and I will pay for your vacation to any place within the US (as long as you stay within limits).

In essence, I totally doubt that the US will ever project strength directly protecting Taiwan (along the terms of what we did to Kuwait when Iraq attacked; or along the whole Vietnam scenario). If we go to war with China i think it will be exactly on our terms, not to protect an ally like Taiwan.

Aside: I think to protect Japan we would go to great lengths, but something tells me Taiwan will have to do with very little assistance, most of it being condemnation for Chinese actions.