Is it true that the US military/government considers the island of Taiwan an "aircraft carrier"?

Question

right off the southeastern coast of China? I've heard this expression from somewhere before, and it makes all the sense in the world to why US is bound to defend Taiwan (since it is in such a devastating location) in whatever ways and means necessary.

Answer 1

In a sense, or an air base anyway. Yes, we are committed to the independence of Taiwan. Mainly because of it's location, right of the coast of China. The Chinese have the world's largest standing army, but are at a disadvantage when matched in a conflict with the US, unless of course the US would be dumb enough to try to engage them in a land war in Asia. The US has a vastly superior Navy and Air Force and would only engage them in battles of that ilk, if push came to shove. Even in the unlikely event of a nuclear exchange, the Chinese have much more to lose, as their population is 1/6 of the worlds population and condensed in large metropolitan areas. As few as 15 large thermonuclear warheads form the US would kill over a billion Chinese.

Answer 2

I think you are dimly remembering that the Island of Malta was considered by the British an "aircraft carrier" in WWII.

I suppose studying US air dispositions on Taiwan might answer your query - something I haven't done, due to the press of time for such dies as answering questions here, writing original histories of shipwrecks, and tickling Rosina's toes. while the idea in one way makes sense, in another it might be doubtful.

At this moment, stationing large US forces on Taiwan could be considered provocative by the Chinese government. As I recall, our policy instead has been to sell large enough numbers of advanced military aircraft and other maeriel to Taiwan that the island on its own has too many "teeth" for china to profitably pull. This has made China rather angry at us, but we are buying so many lead-tainted toys from the country that for the moment they want to wait and see if our next generation will simply die off or descend into madness.

Answer 3

No. During WWII that phrase was used for Great Britain because the American Eighth Air Force was stationed there and along with the British bombed Germany and occupied Europe day and night. That island was a true aircraft carrier because thousands of planes were stationed there for aggressive actions. Taiwan is a nice island which we support, but I suspect we would not go to war with China were they to launch a major invasion of it. Only time will tell how loyal we are to the old Chaing kai-shek regime.

Answer 4

Possibly if they were attacked but we have no large combat military forces stationed there or aircraft but it could be used if it was necessary. The Taiwanese have a very capable military and could defend themselves; Chin ahas a massive army but little amphibious capability..

Answer 5

it is very strategically important if we want to bomb the **** out of china which will most likely happen in the next 30 or so years. Japan, Philippines, and South Korea are also highly strategic areas for Asia pacific.

and on another note(heheh japan is our little military ***** heheh)