I am sure you know the drill as well as I.
If China decided to attack TAIWAN...I have a feeling we'd have at least a little lead time, regardless, of how much a surprise China would try to pull off.
Once CINCPAC felt there was a threat, he'd inform the POTUS, he'd flush the bombers from Diego Garcia to stay on station in theatre. (And probably for their own safety.)
Since the fifties this has been Wargamed...there's very serious, and well, thought out procedure for such a challenge made by CHINA. If China used nukes fist in such a manner, attacking a military target, we'd answer with a pre-planned measured nuclear response.
The libs etc...would never be consulted, that's why it's always been the POTUS decsion, why he's CINC, why the football is always at his side.
It's tacitly understood the POTUS has the ability to act with unilateral authority if any soveriegn territory or asset under the U.S. flag is attacked with a nuclear device, which is why there is so much uncertainty regarding a response to a terrorist using such a device on U.S. soil...who do you nuke? Reagan's policy makers felt...you nuke everyone.
Mutually-assured destruction is a highly effective nuclear policy, IMHO.
True. But what if his decision is to not issue the nuclear release right away?
My point wasn't that he hasn't the authority only that he must use that authority immediately before our domestic enemy can involve themselves.