Elixir
Made in America
I'm no expert on military strategy; but if he were trying to start a war wouldn't he want to first lull them into a false sense of security, rather than intimidate them? Bullying makes it look like he wants them compliant and respectful and with none of that formal independence business, rather than conquered any time soon.Dude: he's trying to start a war with Taiwan that would kill millions. He regularly tries to intimidate them by constantly flying attack aircraft into Taiwan's sovereign air space (greatly surprising that Taiwan doesn't want such a bully ruling them!).
You make a good point. But I don't buy it. IMO, China is just a big bully. They rule with the fist. They intimidate Taiwan in order to say to other foes that you are next. I don't think that China cares if Taiwan is compliant and respectful. Taiwan dosn't flaunt it's freedom to China. If you have any examples, I'd be happy to reconsider. But I think that Taiwan is remarkedly compliant considering the threats that they are under each day.
Taiwan definitely doesn't want to give China an excuse to break out the flyswatter and brush them out of existence. A meek posture on their part ensures international outrage if China moves on them. Probably impotent outrage, but outrage nonetheless.