Beijing, China. China said it would provide Taiwan with stable energy and resource security if the island accepted Beijing’s rule, as part of a campaign promoting what it calls “reunification,” which Taiwan has long rejected.
China links energy security to “peaceful reunification”
Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, told reporters in Beijing that “peaceful reunification” would bring better protection of Taiwan’s energy and resource security with a “strong motherland” as its backing.
“We are willing to provide Taiwan compatriots with stable and reliable energy and resource security, so that they may live better lives,” Chen said, responding to a question about Taiwan’s energy supplies during the war in the Middle East.
Global supply concerns amid Middle East war
Governments around the world are seeking alternative energy supplies during the Middle East war and disruptions to shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Taiwan, which had received a third of its LNG from Qatar and sources no energy from China, has said it has secured alternative supplies for the months ahead, including from the United States.
Taiwan reiterates diversified import strategy
There was no immediate response from Taiwan’s government to Chen’s comments. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says only the island’s people can decide their future.
Speaking at a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taipei on Wednesday, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said energy supplies for this month and next are assured, and that from June more U.S. gas will be imported.
“Taiwan has adopted a diversified and multi-source strategic approach to energy imports,” Lai said, according to a party statement.
Beijing reiterates “one country, two systems” offer
China has long offered Taiwan “one country, two systems” autonomy if it agrees to be brought under Beijing’s control, which no major Taiwanese political party supports.
In October, China’s official Xinhua news agency outlined what it said were advantages Taiwan would have after “reunification,” including economic support, while saying the island had to be run by “patriots”.
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