[zarf]

Give me a break....what the hell would we do? We would not go nuclear. We would strike at them conventionally ....it would be ugly for both sides.

[crystalk]

Isn't this very reminiscent of the Japanese strategy at Pearl Harbor?

...Temporarily disable the USA so that it CANNOT interfere with the aims of the Oriental power; then present a wimpy and divided and effete USA with a fait accompli in which same O.P. has annexed all it wishes; then offer a big cease-fire and we could all go back to peace and plenty while O.P. enjoys its ill-gotten gains.

That did not work in 1941. I think that it is very possible that certain places in China would be nuked in return.

[johnny7]

I tend to agree. We would not use a tac-nuke response to a conventional assault on Taiwan.

If... we respond, I would expect a Chinese Declaration of War with the United States exists within hours.

Expect soon after, North Korea announces its alliance with China and crosses the 38th Parallel.

In this scenario, American carriers would be target #1... our “foot on far”, as Napoleon called his artillery.

If they are neutralized... game over. Taiwan and South Korea exist no more and Japan is a ripe plum, ready to be picked.

Just another opinion.

[bonesmccoy]

BS. If the PLA forces were stupid enough to destroy Taiwan's resources, you can kiss North Korea and Beijing goodbye.

Shanghai would go too. Because we know there are docks in Shanghai that can front load tanks on the carrier ships for invasion to Taiwan.

In another thought, I question if this is actually an attempt to garner more funding for obsolete Naval technologies. The reality is that the United States can pound China from bases in South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Central Asian states.

[DB]

How many people on an aircraft carrier? 7,000+

If they did a surprise attack and took it out you don't think we would go all the way? It would be Pearl Harbor all over again. The enemy would be fully known unlike the Taliban. It would be a well identified country to fully go after.