China on Wednesday said it could guarantee stable energy supplies to Taiwan if the self-ruled island accepted Beijing’s authority, as governments worldwide search for alternative fuel sources during disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
The remarks were made in Beijing by Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, who said “peaceful reunification” would allow Taiwan to rely on the “strong motherland” for secure energy and resource supplies.
His comments came as global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption due to the war, prompting many countries to scramble for alternative energy sources.
Taiwan, which previously sourced about a third of its liquefied natural gas from Qatar and does not import energy from China, says it has already secured replacement supplies for the coming months.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said in Taipei that the island’s energy needs for March and April are guaranteed and that additional gas shipments from the United States will begin arriving from June.
He said Taiwan is pursuing a diversified energy strategy by sourcing supplies from multiple partners rather than relying on a single provider.
Beijing has long proposed a “one country, two systems” framework for Taiwan similar to the model used in Hong Kong, though the plan has been rejected by all major Taiwanese political parties.
China views Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.
Separately, China the world’s largest crude importer recently halted fuel exports until at least the end of March to prevent domestic shortages during the global energy uncertainty.
The export curbs could affect shipments that totaled about $22 billion last year, highlighting Beijing’s effort to prioritize internal energy security.