> First, threatening to strike China is insanity. Signing defense pact with Taiwan would have the same effect but wouldn't be provocation. The US can't sign a

> First, threatening to strike China is insanity. Signing defense pact with Taiwan would have the same effect but wouldn't be provocation. The US can't sign a treaty with a state it doesn't even recognize. And recognizing Taiwan as an independent country - a basic prelude to signing a treaty with that country - would cross China's red line and compel them to invade. Also, the bread and butter of any such treaty would be to extend America's nuclear umbrella over Taiwan. You can avoid the legal complications if you issue the threat in the first place. > Second, you seen to think that China can't retaliate for nuclear strike. It wouldn't be risking millions of Americans but hundred of millions. China has built a lot of ICBMs recently, now have 400 ICBMs and 400 warheads. Plenty to destroy every city in America. Reread my post. I would threaten mutually assured destruction if China invades. That should deter them. If it doesn't, may god have mercy on us all, because those ICBMs are being fired. A threat is not credible if you're not prepared to make good on it. > Third, while China can blockade Taiwan, the US can blockade China. The main thing that China imports that wouldn't stop is oil from Middle East. Blockading the Straits of Hormuz, Straits of Malacca, or Indian Ocean would be within US or allies navies. The US should first try to break the blockade through conventional means. If that fails, nukes are on the table.