In late February China began conducting military maneuvers in the Strait of Taiwan, the body of water between mainland China and Taiwan. At stake in this matter are peace and security in the region, Taiwan's burgeoning democracy and U.S. economic and geopolitical interests in Asia and the Pacific. In 1987, martial law was lifted and a new system, featuring a legislature, was instituted. Two parties, the majority Kuomintang Party and Democratic Progressive Party hold most of the seats in the legislature.
China poses a significant military threat to the island.
It has a wide array of missiles with sufficient range to reach the island. Most of these are nuclear and chemical warhead-capable. The Chinese navy features a growing fleet of attack submarines it has purchased from Russia. The events in China and Taiwan are a good illustration of why the United States needs to maintain a strong military deterrent. A credible U.S. presence in areas where we have a vital, strategic interest, makes it less likely that showdowns such as may occur over Taiwan will occur.