I think that if China moved now, the best Chen could expect from the US would be our formal protest at the UN.
Why do you say that, just out of curiousity? We're actually in a pretty decent military position to respond. Rather than get into the specifics, let's just say that we're inadvertantly slightly more ready than normal to help Taiwan, should things come to that.
Do you see the U.S. government as being unwilling to confront China over this now? Due to Iraq, or for some other reason?
Ask you self how many years the communist party has had taiwan under its control. Its not theirs.