21.   It has vowed to attack the island should it ever declare formal independence from the mainland.

22.   Beijing has vowed to attack the island should it declare formal independence.

23.   Beijing has warned that if Taipei officially breaks from the mainland, it will immediately attack the island.

24.   Beijing, which hopes Taiwan will one day reunify with the mainland, has threatened to attack the island should it declare independence.

25.   Beijing, which views Taiwan as a rebel province, has warned that if Taiwan officially breaks from the mainland, it might attack the island.

26.   Beijing, which views Taiwan as a rebel province, has warned that if Taiwan officially breaks from the mainland, it will attack the island.

27.   But President Bill Clinton has tried to play down the current standoff, saying he did not believe China would attack the island.

28.   China has threatened to attack the island should it declare independence.

29.   China has repeatedly warned that it will attack the island should it officially break from the mainland.

30.   China has threatened to attack the island should it declare formal independence.