” but their leaders have made overtures at times.”
The leaders are BS’ing China, trying to buy time until Obama leaves office. It probably won’t work. China will take them before Obama leaves office. That is the general consensus there.
Actually, this dates back to just prior to 2000, at least I believe it was that time frame.
It was that long ago.
If China is going to take the Spratley Island chain by force or occupation, it’s not going to let Tiawan skate forever.
I think China is biding it’s time until it feels it’s close in Navy can stand up to the U. S. that will come to Taiwan’s aide (at least in theory).