Beijing s problem is not men, but lack of sealift, logistics, and air support. However, Taiwan has only two modern submarines. In the event of a clash over Taiwan, China has reportedly made a deal with North Korea to demonstrate along the DMZ or even attack South Korea- to draw US reaction forces and carrier battle groups northward. But China need not necessarily invade Taiwan to bring it to its knees. Blockade could prove almost as effective, and far less costly.
China does the same to Taiwan.
Taiwan lives on export commerce. Taiwan s industry quickly grinds to a halt, bringing mass layoffs and shortages of food and fuel. The international economy is seriously affected by the blockade. The tech-driven US stock market panics and nosedives. China s exports to the US also take a big hit, but nothing like the damage to Taiwan s 22 million people.