Taiwan dismisses Beijing’s energy security pledge linked to reunification, asserting its own supply preparations and labelling the offer as psychological warfare.
TAIPEI: Taiwan’s government has firmly rejected a Chinese offer linking energy security to accepting Beijing’s rule. The proposal was made amid global supply concerns following Middle East tensions.
Deputy Economy Minister Ho Chin-tsang told lawmakers the offer was “impossible”. He described it as “part of cognitive warfare,” referring to perceived psychological pressure from Beijing.
“On energy, we in Taiwan have made preparations, we have safety reserves and response plans,” Ho added. Taiwan imports a third of its liquefied natural gas from Qatar and sources none from China.
The island has secured alternative supplies for coming months, including from the United States. Global energy markets have been disrupted since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran severed shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said “peaceful reunification” would ensure Taiwan’s energy security with a “strong motherland” as its backing. Beijing has long offered Taiwan “one country, two systems” autonomy.
No major Taiwanese political party supports this arrangement. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting only the island’s people can decide their future.
China has never renounced using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Last week, China, the world’s top oil importer, banned fuel exports until at least the end of March to prevent domestic shortages.
The ban curbs exports that totalled USD 22 billion last year. In October, China’s Xinhua news agency outlined advantages Taiwan would enjoy after “reunification,” including economic support.
