China could take Taiwan without even needing to invade

As long as the the Republic of China does not declare Independence, China will wait. China's been around for several thousand years, another century or so wouldn't make any difference.

If the Republic of China declares independence from Mainland China, the Chinese will do exactly what the US Unionists did in 1861 when the Confederates declared Independence.

"China could take the Republic of China without even needing to invade"

When you write the headline properly you can see how dumb a headline it is. Taiwan is the name of a geographical feature (an island), not the name of a country.

Next thing you know, you'll read headlines like "The US could take the Republic of Texas without even needing to invade." or maybe to mimic better the headline above "The US could take Maui without even needing to invade."