Taiwan’s Foreign Minister has called on Canada to export petroleum and liquefied natural gas to the island democracy, calling it a matter of “national security.”
The plea from the democratic nation comes just days after the provincial government of British Columbia renewed their efforts to prevent additional energy exports by blocking a new pipeline to Canada’s northern Pacific coast.
Speaking with Juno News, Dr. Chia-Lung Lin said Taiwan places “great emphasis on Canada’s role” as a democratic ally and potential energy partner. He described Canada as a Pacific nation whose resources could play a vital part in strengthening democratic resilience in the face of growing Chinese aggression.
“I believe that Taiwan places great emphasis on Canada’s role,” Lin said. “For oil and petroleum, I believe that this issue will have a profound impact on not only energy security, but also national security.”
Taipei wants to lean on allied nations to fuel its growing economy.
“Over 90% of Taiwan’s energy is imported from abroad,” the Foreign Minister added.
Lin warned that Taiwan’s dependence on foreign energy creates a serious vulnerability, since much of its supply travels through waters controlled by the Communist China.
“So this is an energy security issue for us,” he said. “And then if we look at the other side of the Pacific, if we look at the US and Canada, I believe that there are opportunities for Taiwan to import your petroleum and gas. And then in return, we also look forward that the US and Canada can support Taiwan’s energy safety or security.”
Lin added that Taiwan also hopes to deepen cooperation with Canada beyond energy exports.
“Canada has abundant rare materials and supplies. So I also look forward to have deeper cooperation with Canada in this regard,” he said.
For Taiwan, the stakes are existential. The island democracy sits on the front line of authoritarian pressure, facing constant threats from Beijing and growing uncertainty over global supply routes. Lin’s comments make clear that energy trade is no longer a purely economic matter. It is a question of survival and solidarity among democratic nations.
In other words, Taiwan just underscored the case Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been making for years. Canada needs pipelines, and the tanker ban has to be scrapped.
Political leaders in Canada who continue to roadblock these exports should take note: they are playing into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.
open.substack.com
