As a sixteen-year resident of Taiwan, I am well aware of the brutal and barbarous tactics emloyed by the Chinese Communist Party. They are currently threatening Taiwan by aiming more than one thousand missiles at the island. The Taiwan Strait is most definitely one of the world's "hot" zones; it's a powderkeg just waiting to explode. Most people don't fully realize just how important a shipping lane the Strait of Taiwan is, but it is crucially important - as important as Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Taiwan is not only a vital lifeline for American shipping interests, it is also vital for Japan. If there is war between China and Taiwan, both the United States and Japan will have to get involved. Historically, the U.S. has always used military force to protect its shipping lanes. In truth, the U.S. probably does not give a fig about Taiwan in itself, but God help anyone who tries to impede shipping in the Taiwan Strait.
In terms of aggression toward Taiwan, the Chinese have three choices - 1.) missile attack, 2.) invasion, 3.) blockade
Option number one would cause havoc and chaos throughout the world, but it would not gain China one inch of Taiwanese territory.
Option number two is not presently feasible because the Chinese lack the hardware and the tactical skills to mount an amphibious invasion. Military amphibious operations are extremely complex and difficult to execute successfully. The only country with such skills is the U.S.
This leaves option number three - a naval blockade, possibly combined with air force protection.
However, should China mount a blockade, there will be war.