Could it trigger World War Three? The threat of a Chinese invasion looms large over Taiwan’s elections this week. Many believe that this could be an intricate prelude to all-out war.
This could be the year… China invades Taiwan
War Games: A US simulation of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan advised "decisive action" to arm the island. Glossary
Authoritarian - Enforcing strict obedience to authority.
Constitution - A document that sets out the fundamental rules according to which a country is governed, which are usually difficult to change.
Sovereign - When a nation is independent and self-governing.
Province - A region.
Incumbent - The person already in a position.
Cross-strait - Relations between China and Taiwan.
Reunification - When two countries that have been split apart become one nation again.
Status quo - A Latin phrase referring to the current or present situation.
Ally - A person or group that cooperates with or supports another for a common purpose.
Sanctions - Economic measures designed to punish a country, for instance by excluding it from trade.
Poised - Ready or prepared for something, or can mean calm and confident.
Catalyst - A substance able to increase the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed or changed by the reacting chemicals.