IMHO, the Chinese could sink one of our Nimitz class carriers.
Imagine this scenario:
The Chi-com's threaten Taiwan. They start massing what blue water craft the have with loads of landing craft.
The POTUS orders 7th Fleet closer to support Taiwan. Say about 2-300 miles from Taiwan.
As of today, there is one (yes only one!!) Nimitz class carrier based in a forward staging area, the U.S.S. George Washington. Carrier is based in Japan.
http://www.c7f.navy.mil/forces.htm
So, the GW and supporting ships and subs head for Taiwan.
Once on station, the GW could start air power projection flights.
one small problem.
the 1000 - 2000 cigarrette boats that China sends at the 7th fleet. Each carring about 750-1000 pounds of HE.
Will the Chi-coms loose a lot of little boats? Sure....
Will the USA loose a Nimitz class CVA and all of the prestege attached to that ship? At least maybe... And that is with no nukes!! I would think that the CHi-com's do NOT want to poke that particular stick in Uncle Sam's Eye.
my $0.02 !
Mike