[Skybird]

^ They must not, they already dramatically reduce operation ranges of US tankers by the threat of their mere presence. In that they are somewhat like submarines - the enemy must react already to the mere risk of a submarine operating in his vicinity, you cannot afford to test your luck. Even if there is no real submarine. The distances to be covered favor China for obvious reasons. - The balances are shifting further. Slowly but continuing. Already now I would predict that the US would not dare to declare real war on China anymore over any issue, say Taiwan. The outcome already now would be too uncertain, and own reserves and own willingness to suffer high losses are too small.