But that isn't the last word in what happens in the western Pacific (tip to Instapundit):
When a pair of B-1 Lancer pilots visited Popular Mechanics offices last week, the talk turned to the rebalance and how it will affect their jobs. The B-1 Lancer is a supersonic bomber that carries twice the payload of a B-52. Its three bomb bays can carry long-range missiles, precision JDAMs (Joint Direction Attack Munitions), sea mines, and "dumb" bombs. The Air Force also equipped the aircraft with modern targeting pods that can watch over a wide area or focus on an individual person on foot. "B-1s have dropped more bombs in America's last three wars than any other aircraft," says U.S. Air Force Col. David Been, commander of the 7th bomber wing.
By examining how the work of B-1 crews is changing, it's possible to see how this Asia–Pacific strategy is influencing the military—and get a glimpse of what a conflict with China might look like.
It is interesting, no doubt.
I noted the new B-1 role in the Pacific (after noting other US weapons that can be used to counter the Chinese plans) back in October.
Just because China wants to keep us away long enough for China to achieve their objectives doesn't mean that China can keep us far enough away to deny China their objectives.
It is never a waste to read Strategypage.
