A Taiwanese tank on display for tourists is seen silhouetted against the skyline of the Chinese city Xiamen in Kinmen, Taiwan, an island in the Taiwan Strait that is part of Taiwan's territory.
Editor's Note: This assessment is the third in a four-part series that explores China-Taiwan relations through the lens of economics, politics, military affairs and regional relations. Part one can be found here , and part two can be found here . China's military development is a crucial indicator of the likelihood and potential success of a Taiwan invasion. However, such an invasion remains unlikely in the next five years as China must still fill key gaps in its military evolution. In the meantime, China's military coercion of Taiwan will fuel the militarization of the Asia-Pacific region and risk scuttling China's diplomatic relations. China is the most dynamic player in the military balance of power in the Taiwan Strait.
