Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Taiwan's Energy Vulnerability: A Blockade Scenario
Imagine Taiwan needs fuel to power homes, hospitals, and factories.
A new report says that if China blocked ships from delivering fuel, Taiwan would run out of natural gas in about 10 days.
This is because Taiwan gets almost all of its fuel from other countries.
The report also looked at what would happen if China tried to block Taiwan.
The results show that this could lead to big problems, like not having enough energy for important things, and maybe even a bigger conflict.
A report indicates Taiwan could exhaust natural gas reserves in 10 days under a Chinese maritime blockade.
The report suggests Taiwan's coal reserves would last about seven weeks, and oil about 20 weeks under blockade.
Taiwan sources nearly 98% of its fuel from overseas, making it heavily reliant on imports.
The study simulated 26 war-gaming scenarios to assess the impact of a Chinese blockade.
The report cautions against applying a 'Ukraine model' of aid, suggesting it would be insufficient due to the blockade's tightness.
- Who
- The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conducted the study.
- What
- A report on Taiwan's energy vulnerability in the event of a Chinese blockade.
- When
- The report was released on August 05, 2025.
- Where
- Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait.
- Why
- To assess Taiwan's energy security and the potential impact of a Chinese blockade.
Impact of Blockade
China's Military Strategy
Consequences
Impact of Blockade
Blockade may lead to energy crisis and impact homes, hospitals and other infrastructures.
China's Military Strategy
The report showed that the blockade would not be a low-cost, low-risk strategy for Beijing.
- Natural Gas Reserves
- 10 days
- Coal Reserves
- 7 weeks
- Oil Reserves
- 20 weeks
- Fuel Import Dependence
- 98%
- Primary Electricity Source
- Natural Gas (40%)