It looks as though China is trying to bribe Taiwan to see if it will reunify peacefully. The offer is energy security a valuable offer but so far Taiwan is not interested. However, is this a significant change from China, going from threats to bribes? It seems to be, and maybe it might have to do with a lack of military equipment that works as advertised, as the U.S. and Israel have bypassed all the Chinese defensive equipment provided to Iran and, for that matter, Venezuela.
At this point, it would seem China is becoming aware that its power is not as advertised, which is good for the U.S. and the world. All IMO.
“The South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Wednesday highlighted an October speech by Wang Huning, chair of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), that was laced with all manner of sweeteners for Taiwan to accept a reunification deal, including energy security, improved foreign relations, superior economic development, and even a richer “cultural life” for the Taiwanese people.
So far, there has been scarcely a nibble on China’s well-baited hook. Taiwanese officials gave assurances in early March that they had contingency plans for a prolonged conflict in Iran to ensure that “domestic gas supply will absolutely not be interrupted.”
On Wednesday, Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te gave assurances that energy supplies for the next two months have been secured, thanks to a “diversified and multi-source strategic approach to energy imports” that includes increased gas purchases from the United States.
Taipei said on Monday that retail prices for diesel and gas would be unchanged for at least another week, as the state would absorb any extra costs that might otherwise have been passed along to consumers. The government is also hoping to keep electricity prices stable through the end of next month.”