TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Iran conflict underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) said in a CBS interview on Friday.
Taiwan is pursuing a more diversified energy supply and seeking alternative sources to reduce reliance on specific regions, Chen said, per the foreign ministry. He added that Taiwan will increase purchases of liquefied natural gas from the US to strengthen energy security.
Chen said that Taiwan will face economic pressure from rising energy prices, given its reliance on Middle East energy imports. If the conflict continues, the economic impact will become even more pronounced, he said.
Chen also said that the government has established mechanisms to cushion the impact of global energy price fluctuations on people’s livelihoods and industry, and is continuing to review various energy options to enhance the overall stability of the energy system.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said on Friday that the possibility of Taiwan dispatching naval forces to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz is extremely low and the Cabinet cannot order the military to do so. Asked whether Taiwan’s military could protect vessels in the Strait of Hormuz if requested by the US, Cho said the government’s primary duty is to ensure the safety of its citizens and shipping.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said that no overseas escort mission has been considered to date. He added that the military’s mission remains focused on defending Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.
Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) said earlier this month that oil and coal reserves exceed the legally required amount. Meanwhile, scheduling for natural gas imports for March and April has been completed, and arrangements for May onward are being made, she said.
