Moreover, cross-water attacks are the most difficult of surface operations because the landing force is exposed to hostile fire long before it gets ashore. For the Chinese to invade Taiwan means going across 120 miles of open sea that is often turbulent in bad weather. Suitable landing sites in Taiwan are few. Much of the western, or Taiwan Strait, coast has marshes in which invaders would get bogged down in killing fields. The eastern, or Pacific, coast is largely lined with cliffs and is no more inviting.
China lacks sufficient landing craft.
China also lacks sufficient air transport to carry the PLA's three divisions of 10,000 paratroopers each. China could not provide adequate air cover. While the Chinese air force outnumbers that of Taiwan, it has fewer first line fighters despite recent additions of new Russian aircraft. Taiwanese pilots are considered somewhat better trained than the Chinese, both of whom get 100 flying hours a year. In comparison, well-trained U.S. pilots get 200 hours a year.