I don't think the USA ever intended to actually fight a war in the South China Sea. The carrier groups stationed there have always just been deterrents/securit

I don't think the USA ever intended to actually fight a war in the South China Sea. The carrier groups stationed there have always just been deterrents/security for USA allies (South Korea, Japan, Taiwan) to develop and prosper in the region. Which will have much greater long-term security benefits for the world and for USA.