KMT Legislator Suggests Power Connection Between Kinmen and Mainland China; Cho Jung-tai: Current Laws Do Not Allow It
KMT Legislator Chen Yu-chen proposed connecting Kinmen to mainland China for electricity, citing potential annual savings of NT$3 billion. Premier Cho Jung-tai rejected the idea, stating current laws prohibit it and emphasizing national security, while also discussing Kinmen's water supply.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 14:20
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 14:31 (11 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 14:35 (3 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Ching-yin, Taipei, April 28) Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Chen Yu-chen today suggested that the government open up electricity connections between Kinmen and mainland China, which could save NT$3 billion annually and incur no loss. Premier Cho Jung-tai responded that current laws do not allow this, and the outlying islands have sufficient power supply; this is not a matter of loss, as one mistake could be disastrous.
Cho Jung-tai today led relevant ministers to the Legislative Yuan to deliver a policy report and answer interpellations. Regarding the 10 cross-Strait measures announced by China's Taiwan Affairs Office on April 12, Chen Yu-chen asked about the government's stance on "linking water, electricity, bridges, and gas" with Kinmen.
Cho Jung-tai stated that the water supply is already being implemented, and other aspects require discussion with local governments, with national security being the primary consideration.
Chen Yu-chen noted that water from mainland China accounts for nearly 90% of Kinmen's daily water supply, up from 80% previously. She added that to prevent ground subsidence, the government is not pumping groundwater, and other sources like desalination and reservoirs provide very low proportions of the water supply.
Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin said that if China cuts off the water supply, Kinmen's groundwater can be used for replenishment.
Chen Yu-chen asked how long the groundwater could be pumped if mainland China turned off the tap, noting that over 20,000 tons could be pumped per day. Kung Ming-hsin replied that he still hopes such a situation does not occur.
Cho Jung-tai retorted to Chen Yu-chen, "Do you mean that the Chinese government will cut off the water at any time?" Chen Yu-chen quickly denied saying so, stating instead that "we should not presume the enemy will not come, but be prepared for their arrival." She added that if the government defines mainland China as a hostile external force, then more preparations should be made.
Cho Jung-tai said, "If a regime does not prioritize the livelihood of its people, it is not worth your confidence."
Regarding the electricity connection, Chen Yu-chen said that water and electricity are similar, and if electricity can be connected while Taiwan also builds its self-sufficient supply capacity, the two are not mutually exclusive, and NT$2 billion to NT$3 billion could be saved annually. Cho Jung-tai responded that current laws do not permit this action.
Chen Yu-chen believed that the law could be amended. Cho Jung-tai replied that the premise for amending the law would be local industry and public demand, but so far, the outlying islands' power supply is sufficient. He asked the Ministry of Economic Affairs to study how to gradually reduce fuel consumption under the development of secondary diversified green energy, given Kinmen's current and future electricity demand trends.
Chen Yu-chen stated that if water and electricity could be connected, NT$3 billion could be saved annually, and "we wouldn't be at a disadvantage, we could even gain a little." Cho Jung-tai responded that this is not a matter of a small disadvantage, as one major mistake could be disastrous, and the government has the capability to improve the infrastructure of the outlying islands.
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Ching-yin, Taipei, April 28) Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Chen Yu-chen today suggested that the government open up electricity connections between Kinmen and mainland China, which could save NT$3 billion annually and incur no loss. Premier Cho Jung-tai responded that current laws do not allow this, and the outlying islands have sufficient power supply; this is not a matter of loss, as one mistake could be disastrous.
Cho Jung-tai today led relevant ministers to the Legislative Yuan to deliver a policy report and answer interpellations. Regarding the 10 cross-Strait measures announced by China's Taiwan Affairs Office on April 12, Chen Yu-chen asked about the government's stance on "linking water, electricity, bridges, and gas" with Kinmen.
Cho Jung-tai stated that the water supply is already being implemented, and other aspects require discussion with local governments, with national security being the primary consideration.
Chen Yu-chen noted that water from mainland China accounts for nearly 90% of Kinmen's daily water supply, up from 80% previously. She added that to prevent ground subsidence, the government is not pumping groundwater, and other sources like desalination and reservoirs provide very low proportions of the water supply.
Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin said that if China cuts off the water supply, Kinmen's groundwater can be used for replenishment.
Chen Yu-chen asked how long the groundwater could be pumped if mainland China turned off the tap, noting that over 20,000 tons could be pumped per day. Kung Ming-hsin replied that he still hopes such a situation does not occur.
Cho Jung-tai retorted to Chen Yu-chen, "Do you mean that the Chinese government will cut off the water at any time?" Chen Yu-chen quickly denied saying so, stating instead that "we should not presume the enemy will not come, but be prepared for their arrival." She added that if the government defines mainland China as a hostile external force, then more preparations should be made.
Cho Jung-tai said, "If a regime does not prioritize the livelihood of its people, it is not worth your confidence."
Regarding the electricity connection, Chen Yu-chen said that water and electricity are similar, and if electricity can be connected while Taiwan also builds its self-sufficient supply capacity, the two are not mutually exclusive, and NT$2 billion to NT$3 billion could be saved annually. Cho Jung-tai responded that current laws do not permit this action.
Chen Yu-chen believed that the law could be amended. Cho Jung-tai replied that the premise for amending the law would be local industry and public demand, but so far, the outlying islands' power supply is sufficient. He asked the Ministry of Economic Affairs to study how to gradually reduce fuel consumption under the development of secondary diversified green energy, given Kinmen's current and future electricity demand trends.
Chen Yu-chen stated that if water and electricity could be connected, NT$3 billion could be saved annually, and "we wouldn't be at a disadvantage, we could even gain a little." Cho Jung-tai responded that this is not a matter of a small disadvantage, as one major mistake could be disastrous, and the government has the capability to improve the infrastructure of the outlying islands.