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Taiwan threat?

I doubt it. Looks like politicians everywhere do things for - well, political reasons ;-)

Chicago Tribune | President says he can call sovereignty vote next year

TAIPEI, TAIWAN -- In a move likely to infuriate China, Taiwan's president said Saturday that a new law allows him to call for a referendum on Taiwan's sovereignty on March 20 if he chooses.

A civil war split Taiwan and China in 1949. Communist Beijing still claims sovereignty over the self-governing, democratic island, threatening war if Taiwan moves toward formal independence.
President Chen Shui-bian said the referendum law passed Thursday lets him call for a public vote on sovereignty the day of the next presidential elections, if he wants to.

"Next year, on March 20, we can still organize a referendum, to protect our country's sovereignty," Chen told supporters.

Soochow University political scientist Emile Sheng saw the president's statements as "damage control" and "election talk" which should not anger China.

Before the law passed, China warned the law could lead toward independence, though Taiwan said it was it was only aimed at raising government efficiency and expanding democracy.