Today, China’s fleet of at least 350 warships outnumbers America’s of 290. Given the global demands on the US fleet and the fact that any combat in the South China Sea would take place in the shadow of the Chinese mainland — in effect, a massive and unsinkable aircraft carrier — the US must pursue a coalition strategy to balance the numbers.
A glance at the map reveals the candidate list. Already aligned with the US are three of its collective defense treaty allies: Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. Here there is good news: After decades of animosity, Japan and South Korea — the world’s third- and 13th-largest economies — are beginning to work together militarily. And Japan has pledged to double its military spending from 1% of GDP to 2% in 2027, which would give it the third-largest defense budget in the world after the US and China.
The Chinese, when operating in their figurative backyard, pose a formidable naval challenge to the US and its Pacific allies, partners and friends. Standing up to them and deterring further aggression is a team sport.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
How important do you think it is for countries to work together in military alliances versus focusing on their own defense capabilities?
@9M2Z8J32wks2W
If we work together and build relationships with these countries one we are less likely to have these used against us and if we do need to go to war we will have a second line of defence
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
Do you believe there's a peaceful way to resolve tensions between nations with large navies, and if so, what would that look like?
@9M2ZRW22wks2W
Don’t get involved in a war then we don’t have to worry about it. Rely on the agreements passed decades ago
