How costly would a conflict over Taiwan be for China’s international standing and relationships around the world? Although international condemnation is unlikely on its own to deter Chinese leaders from initiating a conflict over Taiwan, the costs could be substantial, particularly when considered alongside the domestic, economic, and military implications. Beijing could find itself on the defensive internationally, which could undermine bilateral relationships as well as regional and global initiatives. Given the time and resources that China is devoting to the Global
Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, Chinese leaders might find that a contingency with Taiwan could be more costly than they had expected.