What I fear most a naval war in the Pacific

Well discounting a complete economic collapse, which is another topic I fear a naval war in the Pacific the most. New Zealand politicians are a few bricks shy of a load when it comes to military matters. The fact that neither RNZAF or the RNZN has a combat air wing speaks of this. So does the NZ government obsession with politically correct peacekeeping.

If a third battle of the Atlantic takes place at the same time a naval war in the pacific will they be inseparable?

Given the range of modern weapons I would expect both campaigns to over spill to the Indian Ocean creating a de facto theatre of war. The advent of the anti shipping missile and the modern day true submarine are now added factors. WW2 era submarines were really only torpedo boats that were capable of submerging. Today subs are faster under the water then on the surface unlike there forefathers.

Seventy odd years of peace of lulled NZ a maritime nation into a fatal sense of security. The Rena proves the folly of relying on private shipping companies. Rogue private shipping outfits are out to make a profit. They have no stake in NZ national interest. Billions of dollars are spend on health and education each year much of it inefficiently. Yet no money can be spared for a merchant navy or increasing the NZDF capability's. When China is on the warpath in the pacific it will be to late to consider such options. At best Kiwis would face a US military leader coming to the country will quiet literally take over. Think about how MacArthur set up shop in Australia and ran the show in 1942. The Australian government allowed its military leaders to be shafted. Staying neutral in a USA-China war is not an option.

Within a week of the conflict all available merchant shipping will have been sunk or confined to port. No private shipping company would allow its ships to venture into a war zone. China will use its vast industrial capacity to out produce the US and its allies. China naval build up will give it both the warships and naval bombers needed to shut down the Pacific. The range of modern day aircraft and cruise missiles would bring the war to our door step.

If we are to stop the brain drain one of the things that needs to happen is a home grown defence industry, be established. Australia and New Zealand need to develop shipyards that can better the performance of there US counterparts in WW2. Nor can we afford to relearn the lessons of the Battle of Atlantic. Need I remind the reader of just how few merchant ships are in service today. China is buying influence in the Pacific with foreign aid. Bainimarama will become a Chinese puppet if he is not removed from power. New Zealand political leaders are allowing the country to be swept up by geopolitical forces. Its time to let US warships back into our waters. Time is running out for the country to wake up. If anyone thinks we should side with China, I ask them when was the last time an election was held in that country?