I don't really see how it can't spill over. For example, I've been wondering why China's neighbors wouldn't see Taiwan's independence and/or absorption of Chine

I don't really see how it can't spill over. For example, I've been wondering why China's neighbors wouldn't see Taiwan's independence and/or absorption of Chinese naval capability as an opportunity in their territorial waters disputes and I think it's unlikely none of them would become proxies for (or get favorable arms deals from) the US or others interested in containing China.