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by acgt 1470 days ago
> The current Taiwanese government's only stated goal is to defend itself.

That is entirely wrong. There are plenty of people in the current government pushing the envelope to achieve more "pronounced" independence.

Two examples:

Biden’s democracy summit incident. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/curious-case-map-...

Change of passport. The current government is also pushing to get the day-to-day name Taiwan more prominent. For example, they are putting the Taiwan name on the passport now, even though their constitutional name is Republic of China (I am wondering when they will change that).

Depending on which side you are, you may consider these are declaration of independence and a change of status quo.

> China could attack Taiwan (particularly Matsu and Kinmen), but an attack on the mainland also appears less likely these days, given the very real chance of humiliation a la Russia in Ukraine.

I think you may misunderstand the CCP. Even the perception of losing Taiwan will cause them to lose control in the mainland. What matters most to CCP? And imagine what they will do.

2 comments

It's remarkable that anyone would classify something like a change of passport or a color on a map as "aggression" toward China! Especially when the Chinese aggression discussed here is airstrikes and missile barrage, followed by a naval invasion.

Everyone understands that Taiwan will not invade China. To classify Taiwan as the aggressor is wildly disingenuous.

What I meant is to start a conflict (intentional or unintentionally) to get US military involved. Just watch the local news commentors there. It is definitely been constantly discussed.
Some US news commentators talk about supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That doesn't mean it's official policy.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-russia-ukrain...

I understand your point. But ambiguity has deterred a formal Taiwan president from declaring independence. "Aggression" may not be the right choice of word, but this is what I meant, "the leash is gone" in the original post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/12/11/t...
> to achieve more "pronounced" independence.

Well they already are independent. They have their own laws, taxes, government, population, and borders. And this has been the case for 70 years.

The only "difference" here is that they aren't officially saying that they are independent. Even though yes, they are obviously already an independent country.

Recognizing the obvious reality isn't aggression.