Seems a few China shills here, I will bite.

> What, exactly, would the average taiwanese benefit from risking their lives in behest of the political leadership?

So here is an answer: Knowing what is really happening in the rest of the world by reading news articles from many Countries. They will not have to worry about a Social Score System. In Taiwan one can criticize the Gov and people. People in Taiwan will not have to worry about what the say. I am sure there are many more things.

Social score:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Credit_System

Well, I guess I will never get a Visa to visit China due to this post since I heard they can deny a visa based upon your social media posts.