Taiwan has firmly rejected a proposal from China suggesting the island could gain energy security in exchange for giving up sovereignty. Deputy Economics Minister Ho Chin-tsang called the offer “impossible” and described it as a form of cognitive pressure from Beijing.

Ho told lawmakers that Taiwan’s energy system is well-prepared, with enough reserves and contingency plans in place. State-owned CPC Corporation can maintain natural gas and energy supply through April and is actively arranging supplies for May to ensure no disruption.

Legislators also questioned whether a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could affect supplies of helium and other materials vital for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Ho reassured them that helium supply chains are secure, primarily sourced from the United