GBZ
You are probably right and it conveniently neglects the point that DD/FFs do more than screen Carriers. If Ivan and the Chinese hordes can say nothing and act casual for just a few more years, only the USN could stop them having the High Seas all to themselves.
Given the problems the cousins are having actually procuring ships at the minute, all it needs is for "the dreaded International Chinese Communist Conspiracy" to hang around for a few more years and then even "American Defense or Crelm toothpaste with added ingredient Fraudulin" will struggle to do anything about them.