Taiwan unveils wartime food stockpiling strategy amid rising tensions with China

As tensions with China escalate, Taiwan has provided rare insights into its wartime food stockpiling strategy, preparing for potential blockades by bolstering supplies and securing essential resources.

The Taiwanese government disclosed on Tuesday that it is conducting monthly inventories of critical food supplies, such as rice, and distributing them across the island to minimize risks in the event of a Chinese blockade, reported Reuters.

For the past five years, China has intensified military activities near Taiwan, including exercises simulating blockades and attacks on key ports. Taiwan, which rejects China's claims of sovereignty, has been focusing on readiness for such scenarios, especially after recent war games by Beijing that included blockading crucial ports and targeting both maritime and ground infrastructure.

In a report submitted to Taiwan's parliament, reviewed by Reuters, the agriculture ministry confirmed that rice stockpiles exceeded the legally required three-month supply. Currently, Taiwan's rice reserves could sustain the population for at least seven months. Plans are also underway to establish supply stations for rationing food in case of a crisis.

During a blockade, Taiwan plans to allocate more farmland to rice production and will prioritize the cultivation of sweet potatoes, soybeans, and fresh vegetables. The ministry also emphasized the importance of using additional ponds for aquaculture to compensate for any restrictions on sea fishing, with enough fish feed inventory to support inland fishing operations for at least three months.

To ensure food security, the ministry is forming a task force dedicated to monitoring the island’s food supplies, conducting regular monthly inventories. Taiwan, which was once a major agricultural hub during Japanese colonial rule, now relies heavily on food imports due to rapid industrialization over the past few decades. The island's food self-sufficiency rate fell to 30.3% in 2023, the lowest in 18 years, according to a previous government report.

Meanwhile, the National Security Bureau has raised concerns over China's growing cyber warfare capabilities, warning that Chinese forces are preparing to disrupt Taiwan’s telecommunications and spread disinformation during potential conflicts. The bureau also noted an increase in Chinese military patrols and exercises aimed at controlling Taiwan's external sea routes, further highlighting the rising military threat.

With China continuing to increase its military activities around Taiwan, the island is focusing on safeguarding its food security and infrastructure in preparation for any potential conflict.