ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book identifies several scenarios where Beijing, Taipei and Washington could find themselves climbing the ladder of military escalation. It argues that China’s leaders are most likely to respond in kind, thus exacerbating an already worsening Sino-American security dilemma. The book discusses, inadvertent escalation over Taiwan poses the greatest risk to peace during the coming ‘dangerous decade’. It argues that the prospects for a Taiwan conflict are real and intensifying. The policy options for addressing growing tensions over Taiwan are not promising. Wu Den-yih, chairman of Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang, created controversy in February 2019 by suggesting that his party would pursue a peace treaty with the mainland if returned to power in the island’s January 2020 elections. Military ships and aircraft operating in the increasingly crowded skies and waters around the island could collide or engage in combat.
