> How would conquest benefit the PRC, other than vague symbolism of "uniting the country" and depriving the U.S. of a potential base? Yes, there's power in the

> How would conquest benefit the PRC, other than vague symbolism of "uniting the country" and depriving the U.S. of a potential base? Yes, there's power in the rally-round-the-flag effect, but that only goes so far from distracting citizens of the matters of survival. Ask Putin. Symbolism might seem weak sauce, unless you're a totalitarian state whose choices are more symbolism (aka distraction) or collapse, because Door #3, liberalizing reform, is not a permissible option.