They'd become a pariah to most of the developed world even if they had "success" in taking Taiwan. In the eyes of the developed world, I think the pragmatic difference between the US invasion of Iraq vs PRC invasion of Taiwan would be that most of the developed world wanted those oil reserves out of Saddam's hands.
The area around Nikko is beautiful and a train goes to Nikko from Tokyo. Nikko's a small city, or was years ago when I was there, and outside of the city is a spectacular national park. There's a lake surrounded by mountains, volcanic peaks. When I arrived in the '60's, it was on a cool day, the air was crisp and clean, it made you want to drink it, and there were small clouds just parked on the surface of the lake, here and there. We took walks in the woods, looking around, and were amazed. I hope it hasn't changed a great deal.
Based on my to Japan, I think Japanese culture is one that is quite capable of maintaining this perfection. Hope they did because it looks and sounds awesome.
1,000 Chinese and Taiwanese credibility points for the “eat bitterness” reference. Only people who know, know.
I so hope you are right. Xi’s ego seems to know no boundary. I fear that he’s obsessed with the idea of “uniting” China with Taiwan, viewing it as an accomplishment that will place him next to Mao, the two of them sharing the stage as the PRC’s “greatest leaders.”
Putin has to say "Yes" for the Xi's action. I do not think Putin will say "Yes". With current Taiwan leader, mainland leaders are likely going to wait for which party to win next election, and who is going to lead the Taiwan people go to a good direction with a majority supporters. No a war is going to be happened any time soon. Buying more weapons is just to make Taiwan more poor, usa more rich.
