Why hasn't China invaded Taiwan yet?

The question of why China hasn't invaded Taiwan involves a complex mix of historical, political, and international factors. It's a delicate issue, so let's tread carefully and break it down:

1.  Historical Context: First, a bit of history. Taiwan and China have been governed separately since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. Taiwan views itself as a sovereign state, while China considers Taiwan a part of its territory. This disagreement has been a longstanding issue.

2.  The Strait of Taiwan: The Taiwan Strait, a 110-mile-wide body of water, separates Taiwan and mainland China. This strait is not just a physical barrier but also a symbolic one. It represents the separation of two different political and social systems.

3.  Military Risks: An invasion would be a massive military undertaking. Taiwan has a formidable defense system, backed by advanced technology and strategic alliances. An invasion would likely result in significant military losses for China and Taiwan, making it a risky endeavor.

4.  International Relations: China values its international relationships and trade partnerships. An invasion could lead to severe economic sanctions and damage its relationships with major powers, especially the United States, which has a commitment to help Taiwan defend itself.

5.  Global Economic Impact: China is deeply integrated into the global economy. Conflict with Taiwan could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors where both China and Taiwan are key players. This disruption could have a substantial negative impact on the global economy, including China's.

6.  Diplomatic Efforts: Over the years, China has tried to encourage reunification through diplomatic and economic means. They've employed tactics like offering economic incentives to Taiwan and attempting to isolate Taiwan diplomatically by persuading countries to switch their recognition from Taipei to Beijing.

7.  The Taiwan Relations Act: Passed by the United States in 1979, this act doesn’t guarantee direct military support to Taiwan in the event of an invasion, but it does make it US policy to ensure Taiwan has the means to defend itself and to treat threats to Taiwan as matters of grave concern.

8.  Internal Focus: China also faces internal challenges, including economic issues and regional unrest. These domestic concerns might take precedence over a risky, expensive military campaign against Taiwan.

9.   International Law and Norms: An unprovoked invasion would violate international law and norms, leading to almost universal condemnation from the international community and potentially uniting other nations against China.

10.  Nuclear Deterrence: Both China and Taiwan are in a region surrounded by nuclear-armed states, like Russia and India, and near the United States' Pacific forces. This delicate balance of power serves as a deterrent against any large-scale military actions.

11.  Public Opinion and Nationalism: Within both China and Taiwan, public opinion and strong nationalist sentiments play a role. Any aggressive move could strengthen Taiwanese resolve and nationalism, making peaceful reunification even more difficult.

12.  Technological and Cyber Warfare: In recent years, the nature of warfare has shifted to include cyber capabilities. China and Taiwan both have strong cyber warfare capabilities, which could be seen as less risky alternatives to traditional military action.

The reasons China hasn't invaded Taiwan are multi-faceted, involving strategic, economic, political, and international considerations. It's a situation where the risks and costs are weighed heavily against the potential benefits, in a context where global politics, regional stability, and economic interdependence play critical roles.