Taiwan has established comprehensive emergency food supply chains to ensure the nation’s food security in the event of a crisis, such as a potential Chinese invasion, Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) stated on Wednesday.
Speaking at a legislative hearing, Chen outlined that the government has 143 designated food distribution stations across the country. These stations are part of a “fully planned” network designed to respond effectively to emergency situations. The food distribution process involves collaboration between central and local governments, although the central government would not directly handle distribution during a national emergency.
Taiwan’s public grain reserves currently stand at five-and-a-half months’ worth of supplies, with the potential to increase to approximately eight or nine months if the upcoming harvest is favorable, Chen said. Typically, state-run reserves last between eight and twelve months. In addition, Taiwan maintains private grain reserves, which ensures that the nation could meet its food needs for up to a year.
Chen’s comments came in response to concerns raised by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲), who referenced a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Taiwan’s food security. The US-based think tank warned that a Chinese blockade could disrupt shipments to Taiwan, which imports 70 percent of its food and 96 percent of its energy.
Weng cited China’s military drills around Taiwan on October 14 last year, which, according to the People’s Liberation Army, were aimed at enhancing their ability to blockade and control key ports and areas.
While the 143 food distribution stations are strategically placed, not every county or city requires one, as the distribution network is not strictly based on administrative divisions, Chen clarified. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) plans to provide further details on its food distribution strategy as part of ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, including scenarios involving war and natural disasters.
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