[nradov]

Being an island, Taiwan is far more defensible than Vietnam, Afghanistan, Korea, or Ukraine. Prevailing weather conditions mean that an invasion is only even possible for a few months every year, and local geography means there are only a handful of beaches and ports where an amphibious invasion force could attempt to come ashore. China could wreck Taiwan using missiles and air strikes, but China still lacks the airborne and amphibious lift that would be necessary for a successful invasion. They are building rapidly, and so that situation will probably change in a few years. But even then, the Chinese leadership would have to be willing to accept horrific losses while crossing the strait and establishing a secure beachhead.