China's intensified military activities around Taiwan have prompted fears regarding the island's energy security. Heavily reliant on liquefied natural gas, Taiwan risks severe impacts during a blockade, as highlighted by military expert James Yifan Chen. He pointed out the potential for power shortages and disruptions in essential services due to the challenges involved in energy imports. Unlike Ukraine's geographic support network, Taiwan faces greater isolation and vulnerability. Political ties are limited with only 12 nations. This precarious energy situation demands urgent attention as tensions rise with mainland China's territorial claims over the self-governing island.
"Energy would be Beijing's first target [in case of a blockade or invasion]," James Yifan Chen, Adjunct Instructor at Tamkang University's Department of Diplomacy and International Relations, told DW.
"LNG ships would find it hard to arrive in Taiwan... People would run out of power and water, as the water supply is powered by electricity," Yifan added.
"Taiwan is more vulnerable than Ukraine... Taiwan's location... and the fact that it only has formal diplomatic ties with 12 small nations means the island could be quickly overwhelmed by a Chinese blockade."
In 2023, the then-minister of national defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, said the island could withstand a Chinese attack unaided for two weeks if sufficient preparation is made.
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