They don’t need to lose any ships. Don’t you think that over the last five years of development in the Spratlys they might have an integrated defence network of sensors/radar and mobile and fixed anti-ship missile launch platforms on those islands? Why do you suppose they have they been buying all the Kilo, Song and Yuan class diesel-electric subs and outfitting them with anti-ship cruise missiles, and not building carriers or nukes? They don’t need to project power across the Pacific, just expand and defend.
Just wait until a typhoon hits the island.
But in our defense, those islands are between South Vietnam and the Philippines. China is way to the north.
I understand their logic, but I think you will see an uprising in the US if we are attacked and do not respond.
It was bad enough when GW wussed out over the aircraft that was forced down.
Open navigation of sea lanes is a big deal. And not one we can just allow to be taken from all countries.