Maybe a reflection on the kidnapping of the USS Pueblo by N.K. would be good. It the Chinese do stage a confrontation it will likely create a “do or die” international incident. They would like nothing better than “detaining” a modern ship of the line to learn all its secrets and they would not hesitate to risk the lives of thousands to accomplish such.
Vigilance needs to be the name of the game, as well as military air cover and lots and lots of plane being able to get to the location in a hurry and a commander who is bold and not over ruled by those in WA DC.
Okinanawa is too far waay.
The Pueblo was a spy ship taken by the North Koreans in international waters and that was a shameful debacle.
In the current incident, the US DDG, Chung-hoo, is already with the Impeccable so the Chinese are not going to be able to just take her now...it would have to be done after a major shooting war with the USS Chung-hoo. And she is a very capable vessel.
I am hoping that we have air cover and sub surface cover in addition to the Chung-hoo.