The worst-case scenario in the South China Sea now unfolds. China simultaneously targets all adversary bases and aircraft carrier strike groups within 4,000 kilometers from the China mainland. Key US satellites used for C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) are attacked by ground-based direct ascent anti-satellite missiles and directed energy (laser) weapons. Monitored US nuclear submarines prowling within the first island chain are attacked by swarms of unmanned underwater vehicles, anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters, and land and ship-based anti-submarine missiles. In less than 15 minutes, all air bases with stealth aircraft and advanced model combat aircraft are destroyed and US air cover is reduced to rubble on the ground.

Corpus, V. (2017, May 8). A worst-case scenario in South China Sea. The Manila Times, p. A5.