Mainland slams Taiwan's LNG pipeline investment as political maneuvering

A Chinese mainland spokeswoman stated on Wednesday that Taiwan's proposed purchase of liquefied natural gas from a project in Alaska reflects the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempts to curry favor with the United States at Taiwan's expense.

Zhang Han, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a regular news conference.

According to media reports, the DPP authorities have agreed to purchase 30 percent of the natural gas from an LNG pipeline project in Alaska and invest an additional $4.4 billion to ensure the project's completion. Taiwan's economic affairs department confirmed on Oct 14 that the island will purchase 6 million metric tons of LNG from the project each year once production begins.

In response, Zhang criticized the DPP authorities for seeking to curry favor with the US at Taiwan's expense and pursuing "Taiwan independence" by relying on US support.

"Such attempts will not succeed," she said.

Taiwan relies heavily on imported energy, with more than 95 percent of its energy needs met by overseas supplies. Crude oil, LNG, and coal account for the bulk of its energy mix.