Not sure if you attribute the last 7 years problems to a corrupt regime or to global corporatism--but Taiwan does seem to have deep economic and military ties with the U.S.

The U.S. may be in the final stage of our Empire--we have somewhere between 800 to 1100 military bases on foreign soil and a large part of our economy is based on the defense and intelligence sectors. At this point the U.S. seems to be aggressively resisting any and all advances which China is making. I know China just built an island to use as a military base--the U.S. Sec. of Defense had harsh words and our military has been planning for a "pivot to Asia" for a few years.

From all indications the U.S. considers Taiwan a very high value partner and would stand by Taiwan if China attempted to take over. The U.S. sees itself as a global policeman--but our corporations benefit immensely from our military interventions by financing/building infrastructure after the battles are over. Of course, the U.S. also grabs natural resources and demands other countries use the U.S. Dollar in its trading of oil (etc).

After 20+ years of improved relations with Russia it seems the Cold War is back on again--it is also a very strained relationship with China at this point as well. Complicating things even more, the U.S. imports a large percentage of our goods from China--so it could get very ugly in a short amount of time if something were to happen militarily.

If I were in Taiwan, I would be more worried about a covert coup d'etat from China than a military one because it would be much less visible (and receive less resistance from the U.S.). It also sounds like some of your leaders may have signed some secret agreements which could lead to a political coup.

Sounds like a very volatile situation--especially with everything else going on in the region--North-South Korea, Japan rebuilding a military, the U.S. possibly building military bases in Vietnam and the Philippines...YIKES!!!