Taipei, Jan. 6 -- China could face military fatalities of up to 100,000 if it attempts an amphibious invasion of Taiwan and would ultimately be compelled to retreat, although it may still take control of Taiwan's offshore Kinmen and Matsu islands, according to a study by a US-based think tank, Focus Taiwan reported.

The study, titled "If China Attacks Taiwan," was released by the German Marshall Fund, which receives partial funding from the United States government. The report evaluates the likely military, strategic and international fallout for China under scenarios ranging from a "major war" to a "minor conflict" with Taiwan, Focus Taiwan said.

Zack Cooper, one of the report's authors, said a full-scale conflict would begin with amph...