The offer was made by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, with spokesperson Chen Binhua saying “peaceful reunification” would provide stronger protection for Taiwan’s energy and resource security under what he called the backing of a “strong motherland.”

The proposal comes as governments worldwide scramble to secure alternative fuel supplies following disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

Taiwan, which previously sourced about one-third of its liquefied natural gas from Qatar and imports no energy from China, has said it has secured alternative supplies for the coming months, including from the United States, its main international backer.

President Lai Ching-te said energy supplies for the near term were assured and that additional U.S. gas imports would begin from June, according to a statement from his Democratic Progressive Party.

China has long framed economic and security incentives as part of its strategy to persuade Taiwan to accept unification under its “one country, two systems” model, which no major Taiwanese political party supports.

Chen said Beijing was willing to provide “stable and reliable energy and resource security” to improve living conditions for people in Taiwan, reiterating a narrative that closer integration would bring material benefits.

Taiwan’s government, which rejects China’s sovereignty claims, has consistently maintained that only the island’s people can determine its future.

The energy proposal comes against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical strain, with the Middle East conflict triggering volatility in global energy markets and prompting countries across Asia to reassess supply security.

China, the world’s largest oil importer, has also taken domestic measures to safeguard supply, including restricting fuel exports in recent days, according to reports.

Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, though it has repeatedly stated a preference for peaceful unification.

The latest offer underscores how energy security has emerged as a central element in cross-strait dynamics as global supply disruptions reshape strategic calculations.

The supply disruption has pushed authorities to intervene through subsidies, reserve releases and regulatory measures aimed at stabilising fuel availability and protecting consumers from rising prices.

In India, authorities invoked emergency powers last week and directed refiners to maximise production of liquefied petroleum gas to prevent shortages of the cooking fuel widely used by households. The government also cut LPG sales to industry to ensure adequate supply for roughly 333 million homes connected to the system.

Officials have also urged consumers to avoid panic buying of cylinders and encouraged a shift to piped natural gas where available to ease pressure on LPG distribution.

Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea said it is considering additional energy vouchers for vulnerable households while preparing to increase electricity output from nuclear and coal-fired plants.

China announced it would release fertilisers from national commercial reserves ahead of the spring planting season, citing supply disruptions tied to the energy crisis.

Malaysia said it will increase spending on petrol subsidies to 2 billion ringgit ($510 million) from 700 million ringgit to maintain fixed retail fuel prices, according to government statements.

In Philippines, authorities said they plan to curb rising electricity bills linked to higher liquefied natural gas prices by increasing coal-fired power generation and regulating electricity tariffs.

Australia said it will release petrol and diesel from domestic reserves to address shortages affecting rural supply chains as well as the mining and agricultural sectors.

Meanwhile, the European Commission said it will advise member governments to exercise flexibility in enforcing European Union rules on gas imports, amid concerns that strict compliance could slow the delivery of liquefied natural gas shipments needed to stabilise supply.

The war, which has intensified over the past several weeks, has moved beyond traditional military confrontations and now threatens critical economic lifelines that sustain the global economy.

Attacks on oil infrastructure, commercial shipping routes, and strategic maritime corridors have begun to disrupt international trade and energy markets.
At the center of global concern is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

Nearly a fifth of the global oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any disruption to shipping in this corridor can have immediate and far-reaching effects on energy prices and global economic stability.

Recent days have seen a sharp rise in attacks on merchant vessels and oil tankers moving through the region. Maritime security officials say explosive-laden boats and drones have targeted several ships, forcing many commercial vessels to alter their routes or suspend operations altogether. Shipping companies have grown increasingly cautious, and insurance costs for vessels operating in the Gulf have surged dramatically.

The disruptions have already had a significant impact on energy markets. Oil prices climbed sharply after reports that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had slowed dramatically, with analysts warning that sustained interruptions could push prices far higher.
Governments around the world have begun preparing emergency measures to prevent a broader energy crisis.

Several major economies have discussed releasing oil from their strategic reserves in an attempt to stabilize markets and reassure investors. However, analysts caution that such measures would only provide temporary relief if the conflict continues to escalate.
The military dimension of the crisis is also intensifying. Israeli and American forces have carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military installations, missile sites, and logistical infrastructure.

The strikes, officials say, were aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and preventing further attacks on regional allies and international shipping.
Iran has responded with a mix of conventional and asymmetric tactics.

Iranian forces and allied groups have launched missile and drone strikes against military positions and strategic infrastructure across the region. Some attacks have targeted energy facilities, including refineries and storage installations, further amplifying fears of a broader supply disruption.

The conflict has also raised concerns about the potential involvement of additional regional actors. Neighboring countries across the Middle East are closely monitoring the situation, wary that the fighting could spill across borders or provoke retaliatory actions that would widen the war.

Beyond the military and economic consequences, the conflict is already producing serious humanitarian impacts. Airstrikes and missile attacks have caused significant damage to urban infrastructure in several areas, forcing civilians to flee their homes in search of safety. Hospitals and emergency services are struggling to cope with the growing number of casualties.

International organizations have warned that continued escalation could produce a large-scale humanitarian crisis, particularly if critical infrastructure such as power plants, water systems, and hospitals becomes further damaged.

The war is also intensifying geopolitical tensions between major global powers. Governments in Europe and Asia are increasingly concerned about the impact of rising energy prices and potential supply shortages. Several countries have called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict before it spreads further.
Despite these appeals, diplomatic progress has been limited.

Deep political divisions between the parties involved, combined with the strategic importance of the region, have made negotiations extremely difficult.
Analysts say the conflict reflects broader shifts in the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Long-standing rivalries, unresolved political disputes, and competing security interests have created a volatile environment where even small incidents can escalate rapidly into wider confrontations.

The economic implications extend far beyond the Middle East. Energy-importing nations are particularly vulnerable to prolonged disruptions in Gulf oil supplies. Higher fuel costs can quickly translate into rising inflation, increased transportation expenses, and higher prices for goods and services around the world.

Financial markets have already begun reacting to the uncertainty. Investors are closely watching developments in the region, and volatility in oil prices has spread to stock markets and currency exchanges.
Some economists warn that a prolonged conflict could contribute to a global economic slowdown, particularly if energy prices remain elevated for an extended period.

High oil prices have historically been associated with economic downturns, as they increase production costs and reduce consumer spending power.

The aviation and shipping industries are also facing growing challenges. Airlines have begun adjusting flight routes to avoid potential conflict zones, while shipping companies are reassessing the risks of operating in the Gulf region. These adjustments increase operating costs and could disrupt global supply chains.

Despite the mounting tensions, some analysts believe the conflict may eventually stabilize if both sides seek to avoid a full-scale regional war. However, they caution that the situation remains highly unpredictable.

Much will depend on whether diplomatic efforts can gain momentum and whether regional actors choose to exercise restraint. Even small miscalculations could trigger further escalation, potentially drawing additional countries into the conflict.

For now, the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States stands as one of the most serious geopolitical crises in recent years. Its outcome will not only shape the future of the Middle East but could also influence global economic stability for years to come.

The latest attacks followed one of the heaviest rounds of strikes on Tuesday, with combatants targeting sites in Israel, Lebanon and parts of the Gulf, according to reports from the region.

Missile barrages forced millions of Israelis to seek shelter as air defense systems responded to incoming attacks.

Military exchanges intensified overnight into Wednesday as opposing forces carried out additional strikes across regional targets. The conflict, which pits the United States and Israel against Iran and its allied networks, has increasingly spread beyond initial fronts, drawing in locations across the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf region.

Iran’s leadership signaled growing concern about domestic unrest as the war continues. State authorities warned that security forces were prepared to confront any attempts to revive anti-government protests while the country faces external military pressure.

The conflict has effectively blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s fossil fuel supplies normally transit. The disruption raised immediate concerns over global energy security and triggered a sharp spike in oil prices earlier this week.

Crude markets surged on Monday before retreating as traders assessed the likelihood of diplomatic intervention. Investors have increasingly speculated that U.S. President Donald Trump may push for steps to de-escalate the conflict.

In a move aimed at calming volatile energy markets, the International Energy Agency has proposed the largest coordinated release of oil reserves in its history, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal citing officials familiar with the plan. Reuters was not immediately able to independently verify the report.

The proposed release would add additional supply to global markets at a time when energy flows from the Gulf have been disrupted, easing pressure on prices and helping stabilize financial markets that reacted sharply to the outbreak of hostilities earlier in the week.