Certainly a possibility, although the distance to the dam would allow interception of any airborned missile. Furthermore the precision is doubtful.
There are other islands in dispute, such as "Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; Liancourt Rocks (Takeshima/Tokdo) disputed with South Korea; Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands) claimed by China and Taiwan"
Not too long ago, Okinawans voiced their desires of independence, but it's a mute point because in reality it is a US Naval base. So end of discussion.
China has time on their side as economic forces will eventually absorb Taiwan to the larger group. As Singapore's former PM Lee noted, that Pac Rim countries greatly benefited from four decades of China's isolation. I wonder why Taiwan doesn't use today for negotiating the terms for it's future economic base and survival. It's the best opportunity to negotiate some assurances of it's own future's economic well being. Perhaps HongKong is keenly studied and watched on how much influence is exerted on its government and independence as a special zone. Unfortunately for HK, some of the prowess as financial center and as shipping port have moved to Shanghai. However, HK still provides accesses not available in mainland. In any case, by 2050 Taiwan would become like any other Pacific island.
I am sure there are political influences from both US and Japan to remain political antagonists rather than being pragmatic to an eventual outcome. As you can tell, there are a few people in SI who strongly oppose integration of Taiwan into mainland. The native Formosans never agreed of the mainland Chinese who took over the island, and there were rumblings on this issue some 20 - 30 years ago. Maybe they are integrated by now and has become mute.
Perhaps there are a few things to learn from NZ - Kiwis know how to keep the Maorists so docile and suppressed. |
