Superb! However, I feel any discussion about China invading Taiwan is pointless. As you point out, they could invade and take over the island tomorrow.

The tricky and realistic question is what happens if China starts boarding ships bound for Taiwan? Why would China do that? To project power, to tip international negotiations, etc., in their favor, much like Russia does (and is ramping up again) with Ukraine.

China is falling apart. I could go on and on but I'm fairly certain you already understand China's many challenges and the instability growing within the nation despite Xi's supposed control of the CCP.

Both the U.S. government and the CCP have reached terminal corruptness. I don't know how it's going to happen but I see all roads leading to confrontation somewhere. There's no stopping it.