Taiwan & China

I read a small news brief in the local paper today about the Chinese (PRC that is) not being happy about the new Taiwanese president’s speech. It mentioned something about them “not being assured” or something like that.

First off, does anyone know exactly what they weren’t “assured” about?

Secondly, why does China have to act so threatening toward such a small country as Taiwan? (Not that Taiwan can’t defend itself…..just by looking at the ROCAF you can tell they are very well equipped)

What’s the point of acting like the “big bully”, so to speak?

Why doesn’t Taiwan just declare independence? It’s quite clear Taiwan, despite sharing some cultural similarities with the PRC I’m sure, is nonetheless a different nation.

What does the PRC have to gain by acting the way they do?