The Economist's is a dark view of China's Taiwan strategy. An aggressively expansionist China doesn't fit China's historic imperial pattern. The Qing did annex Taiwan and quell a rebellion on the island but in the 18th century, no country in Asia could stand in their way. Today to many global forces balance China's designs on Taiwan. Xi's ambitions won't change but he's likely to exhibit patience to see how things evolve. A hot war cannot help China's future development. Better to continue with a tribute relationship with Taiwan.