Quote:
Originally Posted by Webstral
The second scenario is a clear-cut case of look-at-my-big-technological-penis-beating-down-them-Chinese. Ugh. Also, are we really to believe that the Chinese, having committed to combat with the US by launching missile attacks on a US base in Japan will shy away from air-to-air combat over Taiwan once US F-15s arrive? Then they will turn around and engage in air-to-air combat to attack a US carrier group? Come on, now.
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Haven't been able to log in all weekend for some reason. Good description there Webstral. Funny!
I did base these scenarios one an article I read but heavily expanded it, but some of the worst parts are mine so I'll take that on the chin. But a few things.
Firstly China would be seriously mad to try and invade Taiwan and also try and hit America with a sucker punch as well and expect them to do nothing about it. If America was to apply its true strategic power against the Chinese they just couldn't cope with it. Even on their own patch in the Far East the Chinese would be very hard pressed to handle the blunt force of American military power today and maybe for another quarter of a century. Although at the rate their acquiring and copying other countries technology that position may change.
Secondly the Chinese leadership/military is a bit irrational when it comes to Taiwan. Other countries can be the same over territories that they think belongs to them or is in there sphere of influence; Argentina and the Falklands, Iraq and Kuwait etc. Democracy, human rights and international opinions has never been too high on the Chinese government’s priorities, although the amount of money they make from America would make a difference.
Thirdly the technology mentioned in the scenarios is either available or under development. The US defense budget is been trimmed, and manpower and equipment levels are been cut, but not R&D.