Should Taiwan declare independence

"It is obvious that Taiwan could not defeat China "toe to toe" but as I understand, America & Japan would step in on their behalf making quick work of a Chinese offensive (or defensive). China is no where near American military power and Japan would not even have to step foot inside the country because of it. " (jiffpop) I think you underestimate China's military. Since post WW2, Japan has not had a conventional armed forces. America is also unlikely, as the US does not even have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. They probably wouldn't want to go to war over this anyways. The US has strong economic ties to the PRC so I doubt they will risk hurting there relationship. Regardless of any allies they might scrounge up, it would not be justifiable, because of the damage and casualties. The only chance they would have would be if they got a major naval power to dedicate practically their whole navy. Which is also unlikely. BD- "Conventional" by modern standards is rated by the technology, not man power. We are just passing the "Missile age" of warfare where standing armies mean little too technological super powers. America has a way of justifying just about anything ("f*ck yeah") but would the cost outweigh the gains? "The other option Taiwan has militarily is to fight a guerrilla war agianst mainland China. Believe it or not they would have the upper hand given the structure of China's dictatorship. A few snipers and suicide bombers would change everything. They would have a vast underground consisting of Academia, rural poor, religous, Tibetans and everyone else disenfranchised by the Regime. " (Jiffpop) Guerrila warfare is highly unlikely. Guerrila warfare is an offensive tactic, and in the case of declaring independence, they would be on the defensive. Guerrila Warfare can take decades to show results in many cases. This slow process would not deter the PLV from sacking Taiwan. They would have to find a way to successfully funnel guns past the PLV navy, and establish a network on the mainland. Given that China has few resistance groups, and the governments history of quickly putting down uprisings, this would take a miracle to work. BD- I would say Guerilla fighting is niether offensive or defensive. It is what it needs to be. Yes China would most likely sack Taiwan on the announcement but Guerrilla fighters would not have an issue on the ground obtaining what they need, there are too many bordeing neighbors who would glady supply them with or without their blessing, I think however that once PLV realizes how vulnerable they are there would be round ups & killings. ""If it aint broke dont fix it". This is your strongest argument. China has changed to a certain degree and perhaps it will transition into something more "democratic". Taiwan on the other hand seems to be doing fine in its ambiguous existence, however, this IS a broken picture and needs be fixed somehow." (Jiffpop) You're right, it is a broken picture, but war is not the answer. Thank you for debating this with me, and I trust you will make sure people see this. --- Jifpop09 BD- No prob. What this boils down to is "quality of life". I would say war WAS the answer during Moa's psychotic rule and the world should be ashamed of itself to let the communist regime murder out of control. Today, all that is left in China is the ruling class and the slave labor. Taiwan has won a Moral war against China that will hopefully be recognized as such.