So what of a “Special Administrative Region of Taiwan”? Would it be allowed to keep its democratically elected government? And for how long? Would the people of Taiwan take that risk? But what of President Xi Jinping’s hint of using force? Would he do so? If he did, would the United States come to Taiwan’s aid?

I am somewhat concerned that the hint of using force against Taiwan has come at a time close to the trade talks between the US and China. Are the Chinese president, who recently had term limits on the presidency removed, and the president of the US, who puts “America first”, going to strike a deal that gives advantages to the US in return for a guarantee that Washington will not intervene in any attempt by China to gain control of Taiwan?

Perhaps at this stage I should be used to Alex Lo’s entrenched support of Beijing. Still, his article supporting President Xi Jinping’s call for “democratic consultations” between China and Taiwan (“Reunification not only right but desirable”, January 3) made me wonder whether Mr Lo ever reflects on what he actually writes in your newspaper.

The president of Taiwan’s party recently lost a substantial number of seats in local elections on the island. I am not sure when Mr Xi’s party last took part in any election process. In other parts of the paper, we are told of Chinese plans to use force against Taiwan if and when Beijing thinks it necessary. “Democratic consultations” indeed.