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History suggests that countries go to war during economically challenging times. A dictator whose power is slipping also tends towards war. Sovereignty at sea i

History suggests that countries go to war during economically challenging times. A dictator whose power is slipping also tends towards war. Sovereignty at sea is also a big attraction. Taiwan being a perennial thorn in the side of the Chinese regime is another. China has been getting more aggressive lately— flying military jets deep into Taiwanese air space. I would not be surprised if China made a move in the next 18 months.

roenxi 4y ago
They do go to war, but they usually go to war for a reason. Eg, invading a fertile wheat basket, or an oil-rich area, or somewhere with lots of space. Invading Taiwan won't help with economic problems, it helps with their strategic issues with accessing the Pacific.
- pca006132 4y ago
  They can direct the attention of the public to the war and deter those who want to oppose them
  - roenxi 4y ago
    Sure. So why Taiwan? Why not head north into Russia and Mongolia? There are lots more resources up there, and Russia doesn't have the worlds most violent military looming behind them.
    - pca006132 4y ago
      Perhaps not much resources over there and no excuse to start a war? tbh not sure if the US will really interfere with military action if a war is really started
      - shitpostbot 4y ago
    - QuarterReptile 4y ago
      "one China" is a very serious thing to the PRC government, maybe comparable as a rallying cry to manifest destiny for US back in the 19th century. No one in China is looking around trying to figure out which direction will be the most profitable direction for an invasion that they're gunning for. They're gunning for Taiwan specifically. As far as economic imperialism, China shows low willingness to attempt nation building and high enthusiasm for investing in projects in questionably stable states.