U.S. senators introduce bill to boost LNG exports to Taiwan

Washington, Sept. 5 (CNA) Two United States senators on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at boosting liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Taiwan and strengthening its energy infrastructure amid China's growing aggression.

The Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2025 was sponsored by Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.

In a news release from Ricketts' office, the bill was described as a measure to ensure adequate U.S. energy shipments to Taiwan in the event of a contingency.

"Taiwan imports nearly all of its energy, leaving it vulnerable to Communist China's illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions," it said.

According to Taiwan's Energy Administration, the U.S. currently supplies 10 percent of Taiwan's LNG, making it the country's third-largest source after Australia and Qatar.

The legislation would require the U.S. government to increase LNG exports to Taiwan, work with Taipei to strengthen its energy infrastructure through security and resilience measures, and establish a U.S.-Taiwan Energy Security Center to promote cooperation and academic exchange.

It would also encourage Taiwan to maintain nuclear power as an energy source and adopt new technologies such as small modular reactors, with U.S. support for nuclear cooperation.

"Energy security is a glaring vulnerability for our Taiwanese partners. Unleashing America's energy resources and expertise to strengthen Taiwan's resilience serves both the U.S. and Taiwan's national security interests," Ricketts said.

Coons added that China could use every tool at its disposal to pressure Taiwan -- not just militarily, but through "grey zone" tactics such as interfering with its fuel imports.

"This bipartisan bill will help stabilize the region by allowing Taiwan to buy more U.S. fuel and encouraging it to work with the U.S. on next-generation nuclear energy that will make the island less reliant on imports," he said.