NATO allies worry that the growing threat China poses may distract the US from Europe.
A seapower expert argues the forces needed in Europe are different than in the Asia-Pacific.
A confrontation over Taiwan would be primarily a naval fight; Europe would be a land battle.
China's threat to Taiwan also poses a profound dilemma for NATO — does it tie up its most powerful ally from European defense at a critical moment?
A new study suggests that while splitting US military resources and focus is a problem, it's a manageable one. That's because the American forces needed to stop a Chinese fleet in the Strait of Taiwan are not the same as those suitable for destroying Russian tanks on the European steppe.
"For example, it is unclear whether armor and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) have as much utility in a Sino-American conflict — a primarily maritime theatre — as they do in Europe (although both capabilities have a role in each theatre)," wrote analyst Sidharth Kaushal in a report for the Royal United Services Institute.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/international-relations/nato-allies-worry-the-us-can-t-defend-europe-and-counter-china-but-there-s-a-way/ar-BB1rjiTT?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=81c77541d029401ead5976c0eff072f5&ei=93
