[Old Teufel Hunden]

"And unless you are talking of a budget which matches that of the US Navy, a carrier or two will not make a significant difference against China."

No but it will make a difference in conjunction with the partnership between us, Japan and South Korea for all three to have strong offensively capable navies with aircraft carriers to check China. Just in case they get any wandering eyes towards Taiwan or other imperialistic ideas.

[sukhoi-30mki]

You need to add another node to this equation-North Korea. The US/Japan and South Korea have shown little inclination to even consider isolating the North, let alone go to war. Which pretty means that they would be even less willing to do anything about Taiwan. Would the South Koreans want to risk war with China over Taiwan knowing that the Chinese run the show in Pyongyang??