[rmlew]

I don't disgree with your logic. We have become soft. However, i do believe that you did not address my point about detterence.
I sincerely doubt that we would ever land marines at Taipei to repel a Chinese invasion. However, we have depoloyed fleets to deter it and have armed the ROC in the past. A CVBG and a few subs work nicely. Selling Taiwan virtually whatever they want would also work.

[spetznaz]

I agree with you on the deterrence part. And even without that the Mainland would currently find it exceedingly hard to take over Taiwan. The Strait would be daunting enough, and that is not considering that the Taiwanese forces basically train to degrade and destroy any Chinese force heading for the island. And if we give them Aegis capability they shall be even more able to smite the Chinese.

And I think that is the current logic we are employing. Basically making Taiwan strong enough to take care of its backyard, because I doubt we would be steaming to help them should the fat hit the fire full-blast.