alt Hacker News> Yes, they want Taiwan, but that’s a silly national pride thing. It would not really benefit them to take it by force.
We thought the same about Putin, and yet he went and invaded Ukraine.
We thought the same about Trump, and yet he went and abducted the president of a sovereign country.
Never underestimate nationalist BS or outright mental deficiency.
The difference is desperation. Putin was facing instability and was afraid of ending up like Khadafi. He needed a war.
Xi is not facing those challenges. He wants Taiwan, but the Chinese play long games so he can wait.