[Niubee]

I don't believe China will attack Taiwan first, unless Taiwan did something stupid like declare independence. Reason is simple - however much we believe that Xi is the emperor, he has a lot of enemies in CCP, waiting to pounce on him at every chance. The start of a war without any good reason will give them that chance.

Xi thrives on support from the masses, as he's able to provide most Chinese with better lives year after year. War will see some devastation from the Chinese side, no matter how overwhelming the force seems to be.

It is written into Chinese law. China will have to attack Taiwan if they declare independence. Or liaise with foreign forces to promote independence at the interpretation of China.

China can invoke these laws....