The United States would be unlikely to defeat China in an armed conflict over the disputed Diaoyutai (Senkaku or Diaoyu) islands, says Hugh White, professor of strategic studies at Australia National University in Canberra.
The possibility of a war between China and Japan over the disputed islands East China Sea is genuine, according to White's article in National Interest. If Beijing and Tokyo start a war, it will be a tough decision for Washington as to whether to intervene or not. Even though the United States is obligated to defend the Japanese administration of the islands under its mutual security treaty with Japan, backing Tokyo would mean going to war.
What will happen after the United States decides to join the fight depends on the strategic aims of each side, said the report. For both sides to achieve control of the disputed islands, they would have to establish a high degree of sea and air control. Such control would allow one side to limit or deny the other side's operations in the area close to the islands. However, neither side is capable of totally excluding the other.
Read the full story at Want China Times