In terms of naval strength, China has a huge 56 submarines to Taiwan’s two – as well as 37 tank landing ships, 49 frigates and two aircraft carriers.
As already displayed in recent weeks, China has considerable air combat strength with 1,500 fighter jets, 450 bombers and 400 transport aircraft.
Taiwan however has only 400 fighters, no bombers and 30 transport aircraft.
US President Joe Biden has vowed to defend Taiwan from Chinese action – an outright contradiction of US policy to remain ambiguous on whether it would come to the island’s aid.