China vs. Taiwan

Beijing Wednesday warned Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian of serious consequences for his reckless push for "independence" and condemned him as a "schemer" and "national traitor".

"If Chen Shui-bian obstinately and recklessly makes dangerous moves regardless of warnings and denouncements of the international community, he must shoulder 'all serious consequences' arising from this," said Li Weiyi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Li told a regular press conference that Chen is "an out-and-out schemer" and "a destroyer" who will not hesitate to ruin peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and in the Asia-Pacific region.

His criticism came in response to Taipei's intensified push for UN membership.

Taiwan is pushing hard now because it thinks Beijing is worried about the Olympics and the World's Fair so it won't react. Taiwan is very wrong. Beijing officials would throw away the Olympics and the WF in a heart beat if necessary to "keep" Taiwan. In many areas, the Chinese are not forward thinkers. On this topic, they won't budge.

China is not likely to take agressive action toward Taiwan unless is feels trapped. I would be surprised if China forceably attempted to take over Taiwan's government. Chinese leaders have much on their plates and they aren't anxious to increase that load.