TAIPEI (TVBS News) — On Friday (March 15), Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, emphasized the necessity of increasing the nation's natural gas storage capacity. This includes adding a fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and extending facilities in Taichung and Kaohsiung.
The call for expansion comes amidst escalating cross-strait tensions, raising concerns about Taiwan's gas reserves.
Wang's announcement on Friday followed an incident at the Legislative Yuan, where Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislator Chang Chi-kai questioned CPC Corporation Chairman Lee Shun-chin about the country's natural gas reserve levels.
The inquiry was abruptly halted by Economics Committee Convener and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chiu Yi-Ying, who claimed it was a matter of “classified national security information.”
Addressing the issue on Friday, Wang stated that the country would maintain high reserve levels to increase Taiwan's stockpile.
She highlighted that the issue of increasing the safety stock and tackling extreme situations are separate matters. To strengthen Taiwan's resilience in handling various issues, she explained that military simulations are necessary.
Wang noted that due to tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan must be prepared for military campaigns. She pointed out that despite Switzerland not being at war, it still prepared and planned, indicating the importance of readiness for Taiwan.