US intervention would hinge on escalation rules

If the United States intervened, would Chinese carriers supporting the invasion be targeted?

The scenario anticipates attacks on the carriers while leaving open whether strikes on mainland airfields would be permitted.

The hypothetical intervention includes attacks on Chinese carriers supporting the invasion. It also considers a possible rule against striking airfields on the Chinese mainland. Such a restriction would leave Chinese aircraft able to operate from mainland bases. The extent of permitted targets therefore matters to the shape of the proposed air campaign.