It'll take a brave chinese leader to invade taiwan the way it will have to be invaded. Taiwan isnt like the other fringe provinces which china has worn down and subjugated. Its an island chock full of western media and connectivity and an invasion will be conspicuous and for the world to watch and see- The modern chinese population also havent really watched their troops march to and die for a target - and it would be anyones guess as to how all the moving parts of chinese society would react, this is why the nationalist propaganda over generations, that the chinese long game allows, is so important. Every chinese leader is always trying not to be overthrown- failure on taiwan means regime change at home - the stakes are high and the populution is untested in its reaction to war.
