the status quo there. The outcome in Taiwan is more important because (F. Wang p. 36) it represents the Party's legitimacy and ability to restore rule 'over all rightful Chinese territory' (Roy p. 196) and a declaration of independence by Taiwan would destroy this hope, with 'shattering ramifications for the self-image of the Party and of China as a whole' (Roy p. 196). Essentially, the policy towards Taiwan has been: 'reunification is desirable, temporary separation is tolerable, but Taiwanese independence is unacceptable' (Roy p. 196). Military action is a very real possibility if independence is declared even if it means openly opposing American forces (F. Wang p. 36). The current 'temporary' separation does not prevent China from modernizing and since development is the short-term goal (and the consequences of independence are too staggering to be risked), the Chinese are willing to accept this temporary separation.The Korean reunification issue is another security concern China is actively seeking to preserve the status quo. China desires above all stability on the Peninsula because any change in situation would most likely be unfavorable to China. For example, if the North were to militarily attack the South, this would likely draw China into the conflict. But any reunification at present time would most likely result from a collapse of North Korea (Roy p. 212). This would have several negative implications for China. First, a collapse might cause 'disruptions which could spill across the border into China' (Roy p. 208). Second, a South dominated unified Korea would be more sympathetic to the West than to China and perhaps may even become part of an anti-China coalition (Roy p. 213). Third, a unified Korea would more effectively pursue territorial claims against China (Roy p. 213). Finally, reunification would result in South Korean investment funds diverted from China into developing a unified Korea (Roy p. 213). Th...
