[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.

[Last Dakotan]

If we go to war with China i think it will be exactly on our terms,

When have we ever gone to war on "exactly our terms"?

[rmlew]

Perhaps you forgot about the Korean war?
We are willing to expend blood to defned allies.
Of course, dettering such a war is far better. Hence we cannot slash our sub fleet.
Why is Taiwan different from Japan? Is it not a democratic ally? Furthermore, the best way to defend japan is to stop China cold at Taiwan.