Beijing, Jan. 23 -- Following the Taiwanese people's refusal to buckle to Chinese coercion in the January 13 elections, voting back into power the incumbent Democratic People's Party (DPP) with its new leader Lai Ching-te, opinion varies as to what Beijing's next course of action will be.

Will China make a precipitative military move against Taiwan, or will it continue its policy of incessant coercion? China's reaction has been rather subdued so far, though this does not preclude more vigorous actions before Lai assumes office in May.

Notably, though, China hit back almost immediately by announcing on January 15 that Nauru was switching recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.

Taiwan now has diplomatic ties with just twelve nations as China...