Whatever the mode of origin, buddings from a particular bud-parent have been found to agree in habit and general characteristics, while all buddings develop similar features which distinguish them from seedling trees.
The existence of an independent Taiwan seems to be still very much a fact of life, which Peking will just for the moment have to accept. What is more, there seems to be no prospect for Taiwan, with its healthy economic and political performance, to become a cast-off on the world trade and political scene anywhere in the foreseeable future.
The idea of One China may have gained some theoretical acceptance; it's still Two Chinas in the real world.
The careful wording of the foreign ministry note in Peking is an indication that Red China is well aware of the realities. It has no choice.
Otherwise it might well find, like King Canute, that it is one thing to challenge the waves - quite another to turn the tide.
The dry land drank in the rain.
