"This next decade could be known as the "China Decade", where we first bleed jobs to China, then we pour real blood."
I agree. Except I think it'll be in two decades instead of one. They are very patient and like anything that further increases their chances. However, if the trend starts to move towards protectionism before they're ready, God willing, they might take a "It's now or never" attitude and go for war. If we do something real early, like recognize Taiwan as an independent nation in the next 4 years (like they deserve), it could force China to back down, taking away their future catalyst for war.
"If we do something real early, like recognize Taiwan as an independent nation in the next 4 years (like they deserve), it could force China to back down, taking away their future catalyst for war."
I agree. But that would mean that the Taiwanese need to claim independence, which is like asking a child to do the dishes. Sure, maybe they'll do it but you're never really impressed with the results. I do think that on the basis of how aggressors tune their ears to weakness, this next 4 years will probably be the only true window of opportunity for Taiwan to extricate itself. After that, they're a future writeoff.