Following a hypothetical invasion, China faces the complex issue of ruling Taiwan, a territory with a distinct political identity and significant international attention. Chinese Communist Party strategists consider their prior occupations as unbroken successes, but Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party and the Mainland Affairs Council represent strong local resistance.

The United States and other international actors, including Japan and Russia, remain closely involved, complicating China's governance prospects. This debate matters because it concerns the legitimacy and feasibility of China's control over Taiwan, the risk of prolonged conflict, and the broader geopolitical stability in East Asia.

The situation remains fluid with ongoing diplomatic and military signals from both sides.