Taiwan heads to the polls on Saturday to decide whether to re-activate its nuclear power capabilities as it faces significant energy vulnerabilities due to growing concerns over threats from China. The island’s decision in 2016 to phase out nuclear power by 2025 was made after the Fukushima accident in Japan, citing concerns about nuclear fallout.
Security experts say this move has exposed Taiwan’s dependence on energy imports, with the US, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar being key suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil. Experts warn that China can easily cut off trade to the island, exploiting its Achilles heel.
“Nuclear power does change the calculus,” said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “It provides continuity under coercion and complicates Beijing’s playbook.” However, he believes Taiwan needs to diversify its energy sources more quickly to protect against a potential Chinese blockade.
Singleton points to Ukraine as a case study on how an invading nation can target an enemy’s energy sector. He warns that China is studying this playbook and may use similar tactics if it targets Taiwan. The US has been urged to help Taiwan diversify its energy needs, particularly from vulnerable suppliers like Qatar.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/taiwans-energy-dependence-achilles-heel-amid-immense-threat-china