Beijing offered Taiwan stable energy supplies in exchange for the island’s consent to “peaceful reunification.” This Chinese initiative emerged amid global instability stemming from hostilities in the Middle East and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. China is attempting to exploit Taipei’s critical dependence on fuel imports for political leverage.
Reuters reported this, citing a statement by Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office. The official emphasized that China is ready to guarantee “energy and resource security” for the Taiwanese people.
“We are willing to provide Taiwan compatriots with stable and reliable energy and resource security so they can live a better life,” Binhua stated.
Energy Risks and Taipei’s Response
The war in the Middle East poses a direct threat to Taiwan’s energy system. The island receives one-third of its natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, currently blocked by Tehran. Gas-fired power plants generate over 53% of the country’s electricity. President Lai Ching-te confirmed that Taiwan has sufficient reserves for the coming months.
Taipei is actively diversifying its energy imports. The government aims to increase the share of American gas to 20% by 2029. No major Taiwanese political party accepts Beijing’s “one country, two systems” model. Western intelligence warns of a potential Chinese invasion as early as November 2026. Consequently, the US allocated a record $11 billion arms package to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the Donald Trump administration is considering a rapprochement with Russia as a tool to counter China and reshape the global balance of power.
