ABSTRACT
One of the most crucial determinants of Taiwan's future is the possible use of force by the PRC to bring about reunification. If Beijing were successful in its military efforts, Taiwan would be brought under the control of the PRC If Beijing failed in its use of force, Taipei would gain a major political victory and tremendously expand its options for the future. The PRC might use force to intervene in the event of civil disorder on the island, but the likelihood of social chaos occurring on Taiwan is fairly small. Until the late 1970s, the PRC followed a fundamental strategy of the "liberation" of Taiwan, usually expressed in military terms. In terms of total military capabilities in 1990-1991, the PRC enjoyed clear superiority over Taiwan in most categories. Taiwan's navy included twenty-four destroyers, but these were outdated and in the process of being replaced. Taiwan's ten frigates and eight coastal minesweepers were similarly outdated.
