China and Taiwan: why the war of words is unlikely to lead to military conflict (for now, at least)

Over the past fortnight, a record number of Chinese military aircraft have deliberately flown over Taiwan's air defenses, raising alarm in Taiwan and concern for the entire region as well as the United States and its allies. This deliberate aggression is at odds with the outspoken statements of Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is routine for the Chinese government to issue a high-level statement every year on 1 October - its National Day - that it recognizes Taiwan as a renegade province of China and reserves the right to reunite it with the mainland if necessary. keeps. But it is…