Taiwan’s days are numbered. Not in terms of their existence, but in terms of their energy reserves. The Chinese military exercises encircling Taiwan are essentially an economic blockade preventing vital energy supplies from arriving on time. On August 3, 2022, the Asia Times quoted Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs saying "the island had only 146 days of oil, 10-11 days of gas, and 39 days of coal in reserves."
Also, the Asia Timescited a report stating that these exercises are probably not a one-time reaction from China, but most likely will be a regular and repeated tactic. This is what Tod Hall, Director of the China Center at Oxford University, calls the "diplomacy of anger" employed "to make the US, Taiwan and other potential audiences realize the sensitivity of the issue."
China risks embarrassment at this point since it voiced such stringent warnings against Pelosi’s visit. However, it’s not just their external reputation they are worried about. Internal politics are at stake too, and no one wants to be seen as responsible for mishandling and exacerbating the crisis in Taiwan.
Continue reading “The Clock Is Ticking for Taiwan”