Our military presence in Asia is almost nonexistent save for the US Navy and troops still stationed in Korea.
“LOL. You left out our presence in Japan [more troops than in South Korea], Guam, and Central Asia. The Seventh Fleet represents a substantial presence in terms of capability and firepower. Are you suggesting that we should not come to the aid of Taiwan if China tries to take it over by force?”
Absolutely correct on the naval forces but that is the bulk of our troop strength. Ground troops (US Marines) stationed on Okinawa and Guam number around 10,000, plus or minus, which is about one division. That represents twenty percent of the total number of forces stationed in Japan. I neither suggested, implied nor stated that we should not defend Taiwan. US commercial interests now make the stakes higher for us than for China. It’s also more difficult to stop an airborne and/or amphibious assault from mainland China with primarily air power.
“Ron Paul’s world view is naive and dangerous. He is a fool who’s simplistic views find reasonance with other fools.”
I would take simpler to deliberately deceptive and arrogant any day. And is name calling really necessary to advance your argument?
We have about 40,000 personnel stationed in Japan. FYI: Okinawa is part of Japan. We are not going to fight a ground war against China.
I neither suggested, implied nor stated that we should not defend Taiwan. US commercial interests now make the stakes higher for us than for China. It’s also more difficult to stop an airborne and/or amphibious assault from mainland China with primarily air power.
If we have control of the air, there will be no amphibious invasion.