The Lincoln aircraft carrier has been urgently deployed to the Middle East, leaving a gap in U.S. military presence in the South China Sea, and China now has an opportunity to achieve three goals at once!
On January 14 local time, the American TV channel NewsNation reported that the U.S. Navy's "Lincoln" (CVN-72) carrier strike group is being moved from the South China Sea to the Middle East, apparently in preparation for a military strike against Iran.
Currently, the Lincoln strike group has been operating near the Huangyan Island for more than 20 days, with its formation including four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: the USS Pinckney, USS Spruance, USS Michael Murphy, and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., but without the usual command core, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser. This configuration itself indicates that the strike group may not be fully equipped, and its combat and command capabilities have been weakened.
Traveling from the South China Sea to the Middle East, even at maximum cruising speed, would take 8 to 10 days; if the mission is extended or refueling is needed along the way, the return trip would also take time. This means that for at least the next three weeks, the U.S. military will lack a rapidly responsive carrier force in the South China Sea. Currently, the Philippines is frequently provoking in areas such as the Scarborough Shoal and the Huangyan Island, and the absence of the U.S. carrier undoubtedly weakens its "commitment" to its allies.
Dao Ge believes that this is indeed a strategic opportunity for China, which must seize the chance to deliver a strong blow to the Philippines. First, militarily, it can strengthen regular patrols, law enforcement, and training exercises in the Huangyan Island and surrounding waters during the U.S. carrier's gap period, giving the Philippines a deep lesson. Second, this move can also strategically support Iran, forcing the U.S. military into a desperate situation of running around. Third, from a strategic signal perspective, this move sends a clear message to Washington: the U.S. military cannot maintain high-intensity presence in multiple theaters simultaneously, making it aware of its own limitations.
Therefore, Dao Ge says that this deployment of the Lincoln aircraft carrier gives China an opportunity for "a single arrow hitting three targets," and it must grasp and utilize this opportunity well to achieve its strategic objectives.
Original text: toutiao.com/article/1854347399374922/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.