Taipei: China on Wednesday said it would provide Taiwan with 'stable and reliable' energy supplies after a possible peaceful reunification. Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council, made the remarks regarding risks of disruptions to oil and gas supplies amid the Middle East conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chen emphasized that peaceful reunification would create significant opportunities for Taiwan's economic and social development and bring tangible benefits to Taiwan compatriots. He stated that cross-Strait connectivity would be fully realized, making it possible to address Taiwan's shortages in electricity, natural gas, and crude oil. The mainland would ensure that Taiwan residents enjoy more affordable, cleaner, and more stable energy supplies.

China considers Taiwan a 'breakaway province,' while Taipei has insisted on its independence since 1949. As tensions between the two sides persist, the promise of stable energy supplies is seen as an incentive for Taiwan to consider reunification.

In a separate development, China's Foreign Ministry criticized the administration of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te over comments on Japanese colonization of the island. The ministry accused the Lai administration of whitewashing Japanese aggression and colonial rule over Taiwan, siding with what they described as a fabricated lie by Japanese aggressors.

Over the weekend, Lai criticized the main opposition Kuomintang for treating Taiwanese people 'worse than Japanese colonial rule,' as reported by Liberty Times. The criticism from China's Foreign Ministry highlighted the sensitive nature of historical narratives in the region, with Lin stating that this stance was a grave disregard for history and a disgraceful betrayal of the nation. The ministry emphasized that the bitter and deep memories of blood and tears should not be forgotten or distorted.