[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.