Uh... no we don't. Seriously, where do people come up with this stuff?
Usually from having an understanding of the source material and context.
Which proves what? The US guarenteeing Taiwanese security, and backing up its guarentee with threats of force, doesn't mean the China can invade Taiwan, it just means that China can harm Taiwan, big difference.
>> harm
>> invade
>> implying invasion isn't harm
So it shows you don't understand the situation in Eastern Asian if you don't even know which territory belongs to whom, or what the relationships are between the various states.
the Chinese military can only effectively exert power in areas it already controls, or border areas within 200 km of the PRC's borders (overland). Outside of that area the ability of PLA, and PLAN forces to conduct meaningful, and decisive operations is entirely non-existant.
First, I would have you look at this image.
Secondly, consider that the PRC/PLA has/had troops operating as UNPKOs in Lebanon, Congo, Sundan, etc. This would also point to the
fact the PRC has a certain amount of force projection.
Thirdly, consider the Third Taiwan Straight Crisis of '95 - '96. The ROC was moving away from the One-China policy at the time, so the PRC staged some missile tests around the Straights. According to your logic, this should be no big deal. No different than any other state conducting weapons test, especially in response to the policies and actions of a rival neighboring state. Politics as usual, especially in the rapidly industrializing world. What actually happened?
The U.S. government responded by staging the biggest display of American military might in Asia since the Vietnam War. President Clinton ordered both the
Independence and
Nimitz carrier battle groups to Taiwan. This was the first transit by a U.S. warship in the Taiwan Strait since 1976, a clear signal by the U.S. that it was willing and ready to defend Taiwan in the face of PLA military action, and an action related to the US' promises in the Taiwan Relations Act. In retaliation, the PRC order more live-fire missile tests in the area and staged a simulated amphibious assault.
Cooler heads prevailed, but the stock market in Taiwan dropped by 17% for the duration of the crisis. The island lost a significant amount of capital and real estate prices fell. The PRC upped its military expansion and upgrades, purchasing several naval assets from Russia immediately after the crisis, including missile destroyers and attack submarines.
Fourthly, lets consider the bigger picture. The PRC is a member of the UNSC, and a recognized nuclear power. So, yea

As I've been saying already, the PRC isn't going to like the US messing around in China's sphere of influence. And they've only grown larger/stronger since '96.
Finally, I'd remind you and others that I recommend this discussion be moved into PMs or Chat earlier, and I make the suggestion again. We've thread-jacked IchBinDieKaiser's poll enough as is.