TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council said Taiwan is prepared to purchase more liquid natural gas from US suppliers. 

Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) spoke at the Halifax International Security Forum on Thursday, discussing Taiwan-US relations under the new Trump administration. While touting the strength of relations, Wu said Taipei aims to increase imports of LNG from the US to ensure a more balanced trade relationship, reported VOA. 

Last year, Taiwan had an 83% trade surplus with the US. This is due primarily to the export of advanced semiconductor chips, which alone accounted for US$111.4 billion (NT$3.6 trillion) in exports to the US, per VOA. 

Wu said Taiwan is committed to expanding imports from the US, including defense spending and fuel purchases, to reduce the surplus. 

Taiwan imports most of its LNG supply from Qatar and Australia, but imports from suppliers in Texas and Louisiana have been noted for high quality and reliability. However, products from these suppliers must pass through the Panama Canal, which can increase transit time and shipping costs. 

Taiwan hopes that LNG manufacturers based in Alaska will provide Taiwan with a steady supply over the next few years as the US ramps up energy production under the Trump administration. This would be a good time to make a large purchase, said Wu, who added that Taipei is in talks with suppliers in Alaska, reported VOA.

According to the secretary-general, US support for Taiwan remains “strong and powerful” despite friction caused by Trump’s comments on Taiwan’s semiconductor chip industry. Taiwan has many friends in the new administration, and Taiwan is in a “very good position,” Wu said.  

When asked by a reporter about Trump’s accusation that Taiwan “stole the US’ chip industry,” Wu replied that he only knows of one person who regularly steals others’ business. He added, “And that person is our neighbor,” referencing China.