According to published accounts, an 11-ship flotilla of Communist China's PLA Navy is on their way to the Maldives to help discourage an Indian military intervention in the political crisis currently engulfing the islands. A handful of Guided Missile Destroyers and Guided Missile Frigates substantially account for the long-range punch of this small fleet. Of course, it would be naive to believe that Communist China's silent service did not tag along for the ride too. A pair of nuclear attack submarines is probably shadowing the fleet.
By contrast, here's what India can muster:
1 Aircraft Carrier
1 Akula Nuclear Attack Sub
1 Nuclear Ballistic Sub
14 Diesel Attack Subs
11 Guided Missile Destroyers
9 Guided Missile Frigates
The potential area of conflict is also well within range of the land-based combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
But I wouldn't be surprised if, by this time, Beijing has already forward-deployed its own combat aircraft on the Maldives itself.
Nevertheless, the tactical balance of power is still overwhelmingly on the side of India. So it would be safe to assume that Beijing's little fleet will end up in Barnacle Land should it try to interfere with any Indian military deployment in the Maldives.
But that would only be the opening salvo. Beijing can quickly retaliate with a land attack on the northern territories of India.
The outcome of this impending confrontation might well decide Beijing's military adventurism in the Western Pacific.
If India blinks and let Beijing have her way in the Maldives, Beijing will surely be more emboldened in muscling her way into the territories of her Western Pacific neighbors.
But if Beijing's Maldives military adventure ends up in a catastrophe, the ensuing political fall-out might force the Communist Party to once again look inward for the better of the next few decades.
This will be buy time for frontline countries like the Philippines and Indonesia in strengthening their respective militaries.
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