The Conventional Balance of Terror.

The article discusses the need for the United States to develop a new triad of conventional forces in response to China's expanding arsenal of precision-guided ballistic missiles. The text highlights the importance of creating a conventional triad similar to the nuclear triad during the Cold War to ensure deterrence and stability in the western Pacific region. By investing in submarines, bombers, and mobile missile launchers, the U.S. aims to enhance its combat credibility and reduce first-strike incentives on both sides, ultimately strengthening deterrence at the conventional level. The article emphasizes the significance of developing survivable forces that can withstand large-scale conventional attacks and provide an assured second-strike capability to minimize losses and ensure a stable post-conflict balance. [Extracted from the article]