For a few decades, China has been building a world superpower not just economically, but within their military forces. Along with their increased attention on their forces, they have also increased their aggression in the Pacific, specifically in regards to Taiwan.

In recent months, they have made indications they plan to invade the small island nation, which they claim is theirs. That even created a brush with United States warships in the Taiwan Strait back in June. So, in response, the U.S. has begun to prepare their military in the area for the idea of war, mobilizing various weaponry and ships.

While it may look like the brink of a conflict, Kris Osborn from the Center for Military Modernization says most of this movement is more about posturing than full blown aggression.

"Deterrence is the key word...the idea of strategic deterrence, forced to keep the peace...having sufficient force there to contain a visible and well-known aggressive move by China," says Osborn.

Since that June incident, there has been no other notable flare-up between the two rivals. But, if there were to be a real big conflict between the U.S. and China, could the Army even get there quick enough? Osborn says in the modern day, absolutely.

"With technological advances...there are now ways to deploy and move tanks, along with tanks getting lighter," Osborn says. "So, the possibility of bringing more mechanized forces could be an additional deterrent."

Osborn says modern tanks, and other equipment, have become much easier to move, and can also be moved faster.

But, a conflict over Taiwan would make two war fronts for the United States, as we continue providing a multitude of resources to Ukraine. National security expert Harry Kazianis says that occupation with that conflict already hurts our preparedness in the Pacific.

"The Army is having to help train Ukrainian soldiers...and there is a big focus on trying to combat the threat in Europe," Kazianis says. "So right now...the focus in the Pentagon is obviously on the hot war happening right now."

We not only are supporting them with training and weaponry, but do not forget we have sent over $70 billion to the nation in the last year and a half.

So, all of that considered, is the United States capable of saving the tiny island nation from an invasion? That is tough to call, considering China's military spending over the last few years.

"We need to realize that China the last 30 years has been building a military with one goal in mind: to beat the United States in a war," says Kazianis. "They want to use our own strategies against us...I think we need to take the threat very seriously."