Taiwan
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Yes, but............
Taiwan is not an easy country to fight in. Very similar to Korea where a lot of mountains, etc.
Of course, with enough time, etc. China would be able to take taiwan. It 50 times larger. But at what cost? It could easily turn into the US's vietnam or Russia's afghanistan, etc.
I think it would ruin Chinas economy, as there would be a lot of disinvestment in the country.
Also, I dont think that there is the same "will to fight" among the mainland Chinese. Defending your home country is worth X % battle strength increase. Most families are one child, and that one child is the child of one child parents. So, six people depend on that one child (4 x grandparents, 2x parents). Losing the family line will be a big deal. Wont be able to keep that quiet for long if the number of sons are killed or disabled. That could turn public opinion against President Xi.
Also, keeping an army supplied is easier with a common border (e.g. Russia/Ukraine). Doing it over 100 miles are sea is a bit more difficult.
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Especially when we’re still utterly dependent on it for microchips.
$100B investment. Yesterday.
Well, technically none yet. But $25 billion each year for the next 4 years. It's a start... well I guess Biden's "CHIPS" act was a start. Anyway...
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Especially when we’re still utterly dependent on it for microchips.
$100B investment. Yesterday.
Well, technically none yet. But $25 billion each year for the next 4 years. It's a start... well I guess Biden's "CHIPS" act was a start. Anyway...
Biden didn't get shit, except in his pants.
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Make up your mind.
If it happens on Trump's watch, it's his.
Trump is pushing jobs. Less illegals taking jobs. Legal immigrants in skills shortage areas. Education dollars in block grants, allowing states to fund vo-tech programs. Tariffs that makes manufacturing in the U.S. more attractive (Honda is moving a planned plant from Mexico to Indiana, as announced yesterday).
And OTOH, Trump is actually going to cut jobs...Government jobs. Hopefully, that means more money in the private sector, along with less debt, since not as much money is needed by the government.
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The 100B announced the other day is on top of the 65B from a few years ago. Even that previous is only 1/3 spent (roughly, 1 of 3 planned fabs built) as it takes years and years to build chip fabs. It’s not clear China plans on waiting for us. That was my point.
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Gotta start somewhere.
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Taiwan is definitely happening on Trump's watch. Of course he will stand by. Russia and China both have that red button to flaunt and are more willing to use it when it's one guy's choice. What are the guardrails preventing our new autocrat from doing the same? But it goes against what they live for, power. Once the missiles start flying, the only power they will have if they survive is over the cockroaches. Do you think of the thousands of missiles both China and Russia possess, that one or two are aimed at Sardinia? If not, we can survive on seafood and 4 million sheep for a long long time.
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$100B investment. Yesterday.
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2025/03/05/2003832893
The government would ensure that the most advanced chipmaking technology stays in Taiwan while assisting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) in investing overseas, the Presidential Office said yesterday.
The statement follows a joint announcement by the world’s largest contract chipmaker and US President Donald Trump on Monday that TSMC would invest an additional US$100 billion over the next four years to expand its semiconductor manufacturing operations in the US, which would include construction of three new chip fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities, and a research and development center.
The government knew about the deal in advance and would assist, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said yesterday.
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