Beijing Proposes "Cross-Strait Unification in Exchange for Energy," Taiwan: Already Positioned Ahead with US and Other Suppliers, Prepared for Energy Reserves in Coming Months

Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Chen Binhua recently stated that if the two sides of the Taiwan Strait achieve “peaceful reunification,” Taiwan can obtain more stable energy and resource security with the support of a strong motherland. This statement was made at a sensitive time when shipping through the Hormuz Strait was disrupted and global energy supplies were tight, and is seen by the outside world as a strategic signal combining geopolitical and economic security.

Taiwan quickly clarified its position. Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs He Jincong openly stated in the Legislative Yuan that Beijing’s claims are “impossible” and characterized them as part of psychological warfare. The government emphasized that Taiwan has already established backup systems and safety stocks for energy risks, and diversifies sources through multiple procurement channels. Even if tensions in the Middle East escalate, Taiwan has preemptively secured alternative supplies, including from the United States, to ensure supply in the coming months.

Bloomberg pointed out that as the world’s largest oil importer, China has suspended fuel exports to ensure domestic supply, reflecting that even energy giants are under pressure in the current situation.

President Lai: Taiwan adopts diversified energy imports, increasing US imports since June

Deputy Minister He Jincong clearly stated in the Legislative Yuan that Beijing’s claims are “of course impossible” and directly called them part of psychological warfare, reflecting the government’s vigilance against China’s long-term political and psychological pressure. Taiwan emphasizes that it has already established safety reserves and contingency mechanisms for energy supply and does not rely on China’s energy system.

On the 18th, President Tsai Ing-wen said that recent turmoil in the Middle East could affect domestic energy supply. Taiwan has adopted a diversified and multi-source strategy for energy imports. The Executive Yuan also proactively initiated alternative gas dispatch operations in May and has increased US gas imports since June to meet domestic energy needs. Regarding oil prices, the government has launched a stabilization mechanism to absorb 60% of the price increase, reducing the impact of international oil and gas price fluctuations on people’s livelihoods.

Bloomberg: China also bans fuel exports

Bloomberg noted that Taiwan’s energy structure has long been highly dependent on imports, with about one-third of liquefied natural gas coming from Qatar, and Taiwan does not source energy from China. This makes Beijing’s narrative of using energy as a reunification incentive practically ineffective. Instead, the more urgent variable now comes from global supply chains. As the US and Israel take military action against Iran, key energy routes are blocked, and countries compete for alternative resources, increasing overall market uncertainty.

It is worth noting that as the world’s largest crude oil importer, China has recently taken defensive measures. Last week, China banned fuel exports until at least the end of March. Sources said this move was to prevent potential domestic shortages and also to curb fuel exports, which totaled $22 billion last year.

This article titled “Beijing proposes ‘Reunification for Energy,’ Taiwan: Already securing US and other supplies in advance to prepare for future energy reserves” first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.