[biotopia]

Taiwan has its own MILITARY FORCE, government, rule of law, economy, alliances for 70 years now. It is de facto an independent country. Unless someone brings that tired argument of Taiwan claims China as its own - no, China threatened to invade if Taiwan relinquishes that claim. And no, just because China forces other countries to not recognize Taiwan as a country, doesn't make it so. (if anything, most countries are now starting to freely associate with Taiwan, now that China is in decline)

[captaincaveman]

Yes they do, and like I said, think they should be left to get on with things on their own. However they are a break away geopolitical state that was only enabled to do so, by support from US to protect them, if the US hadn't enabled them the CCP would of invaded many many decades ago. You can brush this inconvenient fact under the carpet, but it's not a simple and clear cut as you make out. Both sides taking the extreme stance is why it can't be solved.

[biotopia]

Taiwan WAS a break away state 70 years ago that is an independent country FOR THE LAST 70 years. doesn't matter which ally (US, Japan, whoever) Taiwan had, it is operating as an independent country.

If China attacks Taiwan, they are attacking another country. Just like Russia attacking Ukraine. Doesn't matter what psychobabble a dictator spouts.

[captaincaveman]

Well if US stops protecting Taiwan, and China invades, that will end that debate. The new debate will be, Taiwan WAS an independent state and now isn't, and some one will come along and "yeah well that was 70 years ago!".

Psychobabble or not, it boils down to how much anyone wants to get involved in a nasty fight to save someone else, which might end up causing more damage to Taiwan even if they do. I don't think this is right but is the world has always operated, not sure anything has changed.