Today, both sides still desire reunification, but each considers the other as part of their territory occupied by the other. The situation is similar to North and South Korea, with both wanting reunification but having different ideas on how to achieve it. China wants control over Taiwan, but realistically, it could only be achieved through force. On the other hand, Taiwan, with an ally in the US, can pose a serious threat to China. The US sells weapons to Taiwan, including anti-ship missiles, rocket artillery, and more. China sees this as the US getting involved militarily on its doorstep.

China also has reasons to control Taiwan, such as having a buffer zone, easy access to the Pacific, and a strong and high-tech economy, including Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. However, they have not invaded Taiwan yet. This was unlikely due to the complexity of an amphibious invasion, Taiwan’s prepared defenses, and its friendship with the US and other nations that have promised to come to its defense. An invasion could escalate into a larger regional war, including conflicts with the US, South Korea, Japan, and possibly even Vietnam. Even if they can take Taiwan without foreign military involvement, an act of war would likely have extreme economic consequences for China, including embargos, trade restrictions, and a possible collapse of the Chinese economy.