[denydenydeny]

...the Chinese would be mounting amphibious assaults against Taiwan's beaches. The amphibious landings could occur relatively soon...The limited coastlines and the Taiwanese military's long anticipation of these avenues of Chinese approach would make these landings extremely difficult for China's troops, but the Chinese might eventually overcome the island defenses with their sheer mass and the attrition of Taiwan's defenders.

Really?

In this entire scenario, the word "submarine" does not appear. Apparently the attack subs from the U.S. and Taiwan that constantly patrol the Straits will be on vacation that week.

[Poohbah]

Another issue: China wants to be taken seriously as a superpower. Taking Taiwan by virtue of having more soldiers than the Taiwanese have bullets does not enhance that image. A campaign as exsanguinary an invasion of Taiwan would be would probably cause a massive loss of face. Stalin didn't care how he looked when he couldn't beat Finland cleanly. In the Orient, how one looks to everyone else--particularly barbarian foreigners--is EVERYTHING. And looking that inept is just embarrassing.