Myths about anti-ship Ballistic missiles

Abstract

Anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) are thought by many to be a "game-changer" for the People`s Republic of China (PRC) in future military conflicts with the United States around Taiwan, but critics refute this "game-changer" notion. The arguments on both sides are myths. Missile defense cannot be one hundred percent effective in intercepting incoming ASBMs, and an aircraft carrier is bound to be spotted if it is going to be a useful war-fighting machine. Nonetheless, ASBMs do not change the game in the PRCs favor. Carriers are not crucial to a U.S. intervention. Other assets immune to ASBMs can stop a military takeover of Taiwan. Sinking U.S. carriers would also be counterproductive for the PRC, as it would escalate a conflict which Beijing has little chance of winning. © institute of International Relations National Chengchi University Taipei Taiwan (ROC).