[mschuster91]

An ally who China is dreaming of re-assimilating (or taken over, depending on which side of the view you are) since its inception.

China is engaging in ever more aggressive saber rattling and the total lack of any measurable reaction to their takeover of Hong Kong only has emboldened them. Who can guarantee Taiwan won't end up the same fate?

[robjan]

I am very aware of the situation, being a resident of Hong Kong, and it's completely different. Hong Kong is indisputably a part of the People's Republic of China, and the Basic Law (our Constitution) is part of the constitution of the PRC. The government of Hong Kong has always emphasised that Hong Kong is part of One Country.

Taiwan is completely self-governed at the moment and sees itself as an independent nation.