Every visible signal of naval presence contains an implied promise that a challenge will be answered. A ship can support diplomacy and allow a government to bluff, but that bluff becomes dangerous when another power tests it. The Royal Navy's position against Japan before the Pacific War provides an example in which all sides understood that British strength in the region was overstated. Presence therefore requires credible follow-through as well as an impressive hull in port.
Notable Point · 46:01-46:27
When a naval-presence bluff is called
The deterrent value of a visiting fleet depends on opponents believing that its government will accept a challenge and reinforce the signal with real power.