The biggest deterrence for a Taiwan invasion is the worlds reaction (or half-hearten reaction) to what is happening in Ukraine. When the West lacks the spirit to help Ukraine win, what chance does Taiwan have?<p>China realizes that there will be little to no fall out in the invasion of Taiwan and any reaction from the West will be limited and short lived. Russia has shown them the way and they can count on the support of Russia, Iran, North Korea and many, many other countries.<p>The Leaders and people of Taiwan have said the same thing.<p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/10/taiwan-defense-ukraine-russia-china/" rel="nofollow">https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/10/taiwan-de...</a><p>I believe Putin's latest trip to China also included Russia's unequivocal support for China in taking Taiwan and the event of a war with the West.