[mc6809e]

Although the Chinese do seem to have a money-oriented culture, offering to pay for the island doesn't seem to be a feasible option.

Why not?

Seems like a great option to me and in the spirit of China's economic reforms.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

The PRC has made it explicitly clear that it considers Taiwan a part (an integral part) of China. For that alone, the option of a payout seems (seems) off the table.