The power balance between China and the U.S. in the Pacific is in flux. As China doubles down on efforts to boost its military capabilities, the U.S. is concentrating on deterrence by strengthening ties with regional allies and updating its military presence there. Now, the two global superpowers confront the question: In a military conflict, which would emerge victorious?

Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan analyzes the military capabilities of the U.S. and China in the Pacific, assessing which power holds the advantage in a potential military confrontation. Zeihan argues that, unlike his two predecessors, U.S. President Joe Biden has strategically positioned America to address both Chinese and Russian aggression.

Excerpted from Peter’s Dec. 13 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:

There’s been much discussion lately surrounding the changing power balances in the Pacific – specifically the dynamics between the U.S. and China. Sure, China has numbers, but would you rather have 25 kayaks equipped with BB guns or five speedboats mounted with mini-guns?

That’s pretty much the whole story between these two powers – quality over quantity. That’s before we look at the fun new toys that the U.S. is introducing, which will only bolster their strategic advantage in places like Midway and Guam.

With the Biden administration taking a firmer stance on security measures, I expect the United States’ strategic advantage over China to grow. However, that doesn’t mean we should completely disregard the Chinese navy just yet.