Overview
- Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua offered “stable and reliable” energy and resource security to Taiwan in exchange for “peaceful reunification.”
- President Lai Ching-te said energy needs for March and April are assured and that Taiwan follows a diversified, multi-source import strategy.
- Taipei plans to increase U.S. liquefied natural gas purchases starting in June as part of efforts to reduce exposure to supply shocks.
- The proposal comes during regional supply strain linked to the Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions; Taiwan previously sourced about one-third of its LNG from Qatar and currently imports no energy from China.
- China recently restricted fuel exports through at least the end of March to protect domestic supply, while it continues political pressure and military drills near Taiwan; a U.S. intelligence assessment indicates no near-term invasion plan.