Speed is Life

Given the need to reinforce Taiwan fast in case China invades, China's stronger navy and air force make it unlikely we can get naval elements into the fight quickly. We will have to cautiously approach Taiwanese waters with our carriers to avoid Chinese subs, mine fields, aircraft, and surface forces that might ambush us if we charge in.

But the need for speed remains. Already, we have tested moving aircraft from the continental United States to the western Pacific (with South Korea the proxy for Taiwan, I think).

And now we've demonstrated another method of really complicating any Chinese invasion planning--air-dropped naval mines:

This month, several U.S. B-52 bombers practiced dropping naval mines off the coast of Guam, in the central Pacific. The bombers dropped 162 inert mines.

So, say we can start dropping mines on the fourth day, with deployed fighters protecting the bombers. I discussed this capability here.

China, too, needs speed to win any invasion. And we are working to use our air power to deny China that window of opportunity.