The Taiwanese are more aware of the treatment of religious, political and ethnic minorities in China than the average Westerner. Even if they had a strong feeli

The Taiwanese are more aware of the treatment of religious, political and ethnic minorities in China than the average Westerner. Even if they had a strong feeling of being Chinese, why would they settle for conquest by people who do not care about them and want the destruction of their system of government and way of life? The only part of Canada that’s more than vaguely foreign to the US is Quebec and Canada hasn’t petitioned for US annexation. No part of Switzerland has ever shown any enthusiasm for joining those who speak their language in the neighbouring states. Why would a people with 70 years and growing of independence agree to annexation except under threat of death? Economics is just not that important when it comes to national feeling. Ireland lost massive subsidies from England to be independent. The U.K. will not come off better economically from leaving the EU. Most every nation in Africa suffered economically for decades after decolonisation rather than having things get better. People value pride enormously.