Imperialism no longer requires invasion, not since the British East India company.

Economic imperialism only requires military intervention as a 'value added' when your Military Industrial Complex is well developed. China's military industry is still state controlled and undeveloped.

Theoretically China could hire the U.S. to invade Australia, much as Saudi Arabia and Israel continue to 'employ' U.S. military in the Middle East.

All I care about in China is the women I banged

The U.S. relationship with Taiwan is exactly the same. Money talks then clients walk.

Support of the the 'One China' policy, refusal to support Taiwan entry into the U.N., direct unfettered trade with the PRC, Taiwan is yesterday's China doll, as is its already absorbed little sister - HK.

The world's business leaders no longer need Taiwanese or HK gatekeepers to prowl the world's largest market.

They are banging the PRC directly.

Taiwan's economic dependency on the PRC will ultimately motivate its political union with the PRC.

Unlike Australia, Taiwan lacks nation-state status, and PRC moguls are unable to purchase Taiwanese assets and corporations without PRC government approval.

Taiwan is closed to the same RMB that is stamping 'Bought By China' on Australian real estate and natural resources.