Well Rogue_1, to answer your question, yes, the United States has pledged to defend Taiwan in the event of armed conflict with China. It would not be a good situation at all. Whenever China conducts military exercises near the strait, the U.S. moves a carrier group into the area. Also, the motherboard and video card you are using right now were probably made in Taiwan. As well as the thousands of Chinese killed, It wouldn't be a good thing for anybody if China turned Taiwan into a smoking ruin. Chirac is playing a dangerous game.