http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-taiwan-election-idUKKCN0UT2HG

The DPP defeated the Kuomintang in a landslide victory, seizing control of both the presidency and parliament. This is the first time Taiwan will be ruled at both levels by the (former) opposition since independence.

Expect to see increased tensions in the strait. The DPP is a pro-independence party, although it's expected that the incoming president will continue to stress the need to maintain the status quo.

China conducted live-fire military exercises shortly after the election, including the simulation of beach landings (not a subtle hint). Taiwan has responded with military exercises of their own.

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How Uncle Xi will take this is unclear. The recent abductions of Hong Kong residents by mainland operatives gives Taiwan a clear picture of what it means to live under "One Country, Two Systems", if China is impatient for a reunion that will never come the strait could become violent.

I doubt the Taiwanese are dumb enough to provoke China. They need to think long and hard if they are actually thinking of doing anything to antagonize the behemoth which is China.

Some people would have said the same thing when the USA was fighting the "Behemoth" Britain for independence....

Not in the least comparable. Realistically if England would of put all it's weight in the fight they would of maintained the colonies but it required too much money and effort during a time when they had plenty of good land to colonise/maintain.

Taiwan has a population of about 23 million compared to China's 1.3 billion. Taiwans defenses would be routed in days.

This post was edited by ofthevoid on Jan 30 2016 07:05pm

Yes, but the United States is stronger than France in this scenario.

Taiwans boldness hinges on the idea that the US will essentially protect them from China. Honestly I don't feel like we have that much skin in the game.

Taiwan is the gateway to the Pacific. We can't protect Japan if China holds Taiwan.