Now, Taiwan is supposedly doomed:
China's growing military strength, from stealth jets to aircraft carriers and anti-satellite missiles, has shifted the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait to Beijing's advantage, and this will not be materially affected by an imminent arms deal with Taiwan.
The duration of any potential conflict between China and Taiwan will be a matter of days, not weeks or months, analysts and experts say.
I think that is a bit pessimistic. But the trend is heading that way unless Taiwan decided to spend the money to defend what they've built.
And Strategypage says the Taiwanese are worried about non-invasion threats:
For decades, Taiwan has been preparing for a large scale amphibious invasion. But China is operating from their ancient playbook (think of Sun Tzu), which calls for doing what your opponent won’t expect. And Taiwan is now trying to prepare for that as well.
Temporary blockades to drive up the cost of business or brief flurries of missiles hitting military targets are the "unexpected" Chinese military measures the Taiwanese are thinking about?
Well that's just stupid. What did similar tactics achieve in 1995-1996? Nothing. The Taiwanese should pray that China would do either of those non-fatal things. Why would China try for the non-fatal blow that would only give Taiwan notice to arm up rather than go for the jugular to take advantage of the shifting balance of power?
Right now, I'd say bolt-from-the-blue invasion of Taiwan is the measure China's opponents won't expect.
