China is antagonising Taiwan. How will the United States and Australia respond?

The clock is ticking. Taiwan and mainland China are seemingly on a collision course, a flashpoint that could trigger a catastrophic regional or even global conflict.

China is stepping up military pressure on Taiwan, sending military aircraft into Taiwanese territory.

The incursions are happening on an almost daily basis. Taiwan’s defence minister, Joseph Wu, has warned that Chinese drones may be shot down and that, if attacked, Taiwan will defend itself “to the very last day”.

And it may have to.

Xi firm on Taiwan

China’s president Xi Jinping has made it clear that under his watch, he wants Taiwan to be returned to the mainland. He warns that he will use any means necessary, even force, to achieve it.

Xi cannot afford to back down. A…