Australian researchers have issued a new report claiming that China’s hi-tech ballistic missiles could cripple U.S. military bases and naval forces within hours if an armed conflict erupted in the Western Pacific between the two superpowers.

The 104-page report was published by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney where they analyzed the U.S. military strategy and spending as well as alliances in the area.

The report merits some scrutiny as even some Chinese military experts still believe that the United States is the superior power in the region as evidenced by the USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier, and it’s entourage docked in the Philippines and the powerful Seventh Fleet based in Japan

The report accurately states that China is making rapid technological advancements. China is also expected to commission its second aircraft carrier, a yet-to-be-named type 001A nuclear carrier, soon. The U.S. fleet has 11 nuclear powered carriers so the prospect of China overpassing the United States for military supremacy is remote.

The report suggested that the U.S. and its regional allies need to overhaul their military investment plans and deployment strategies to counter China’s recent aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and other Asian waters.

The lead author of the report, Ashley Townshend, told This Week in Asia about China, “As its power rises, it may well be emboldened to make a play for parts of the first island chain, including Taiwan, which would seriously constrain the security horizons for all concerned.” The statement was in reference to island chains that stretch from the Japanese archipelago to Borneo.

https://www.ibtimes.com/china-can-wipe-out-us-forces-asia-if-war-breaks-out-says-report-2814998