There you have it. A "complex computer simulation" has shown that China cannot overtake Taiwan:

The complex simulation involved a scenario of China invading the island, 100 miles off its coast, in 2012.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing regards Taiwan as Chinese territory. The computer scenario was based on China's repeated threats to attack if Taiwan ever tries to formalize its de facto independence.

The military released its findings from the simulation to reporters on Tuesday.

In the simulation, Chinese ships ferry forces to the island, backed by heavy missile barrages and pinpoint air strikes on Taiwanese military bases and other strategic facilities.

The "invaders" establish beachheads along Taiwan's west coast, though their arrival is delayed for several days by Taiwanese missile strikes on mainland military bases, and by Taiwanese navy counterattacks.

The simulation has western Taiwan radar stations, missile bases and airports taking a heavy pounding, but ground forces hold down casualty numbers by taking cover in specially prepared areas.

[read on]