[capableweb]

> Considering that Taiwan is already independent

From your perspective, maybe. But not from China's perspective.

> these kinds of threats seem counterproductive to China's goals of "peaceful reunification"

Imposing economic sanctions until the country has to oblige to China's request I'm sure is seen as "peaceful" from China's perspective. I think the only thing that is far away is outright war, but everything else would be considered "peaceful".

[papito]

Typical HN relativism and intellectualization. In its current state, Taiwan is independent, and it will require either:

a) Taiwanese consensus to officially rejoin China. b) An act of war.

We can discuss China's perspective all day, but it does not change the status quo. What about the perspective of Russia? Australia? South Africa? Which one is true? Is anything true?

[mytailorisrich]

We need to interpret what is meant by "Taiwan independence" here.

Taiwan is currently not part of the PRC (and never has been part of it, actually), but it is what's left of the Republic of China.

There are roughly 3 point of views and aims:

1. The PRC claims that the Republic of China ceased to exist in 1949 and that Taiwan is part of the PRC.

2. The ROC still exists but is currently only surviving in Taiwan. In this sense Taiwan is an independent state but it is still China (just not the PRC) and still ultimate goal is still to re-unify.

3. Taiwan is an independent country, not part of 'China' and not aiming to re-unify at all.

Usually, "supporting Taiwan independence" means #3.

The current state of play is #2 at least formally (Taiwan is independent but not #3). The PRC government's policy is obviously #1 but they know that the reality is #2 and that's the 'status quo', but it is #3 that is the casus belli for them.

[stjohnswarts]

I don't think anyone except a few hold outs in Taiwan see #2 as viable or practical. I'm a fan of 3.

[athenot]

The US has imposed similar "peaceful" economic sanctions on a few countries until they obliged to requests too. This move is hardly specific to Chinese diplomacy.

[stjohnswarts]

They still are with Venezuela and Cuba. Both are ridiculous and only hurting the people of the country. While we regularly cavort with countries like Saudi Arabia.