China's priority regarding Taiwan is deterring independence, not achieving reunification, which is a long term goal. The 14th 5-yr plan reiterates the strategy of "peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait." Xi has not altered this approach, even as he has adopted tougher gray-zone tactics. China's goal is to use psychological warfare to persuade the Taiwanese that they have no choice other than to unify with the Mainland. Using force to resolve Taiwan could well fail, and precipitate a response from the international community that would make it impossible to achieve Xi's more important domestic goals. The US is likely to take steps to strengthen deterrence and China won't use force unless backed into a corner (US and Taiwan are important variables here). The status q