> It's not about what's "right" or what's "allowed". Those are squishy concepts.
This seems to be a very common issue on HN, I've noticed. People are constantly conflating how the world works with how it should work. And, when others point this out, they're immediately accused of endorsing something morally, when really they're just stating a fact about the world, human nature, or geopolitics.
> conflating how the world works with how it should work
This doesn't really seem to be what's going on, though. Obviously, China's "allowed" in some sense to do whatever others can't stop them from doing. But also obviously, Taiwan will defend themselves from Chinese aggression. Given these two seemingly obvious Realpolitik points, it's not Taiwan's defense that causes the loss of life but China's aggression.
China has been wanting Taiwan for decades and now reasonably has the capability to take it.
It's not about what's "right" or what's "allowed". Those are squishy concepts.
China is gearing up to take Taiwan by force. Who is going to stop them? Maybe Taiwan itself. Maybe the US, too. Maybe others.
A war like that would be horrible. On the other side of the coin, I think China may have a lot to offer to a friendlier Taiwan.
There are hard decisions to be made.
You have to consider your choices carefully, even if you don't like any of them.
FWIW, I am not Chinese and have no relationship with anyone there.