Australian Parliamentarian: Taiwan and Australia are Energy Suppliers to Each Other, Navigation Freedom Must Be Ensured
An Australian parliamentary delegation visiting Taiwan emphasized that Taiwan and Australia are crucial mutual energy suppliers and stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, as highlighted by incidents like the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Discussions centered on strengthening economic and trade relations between the two nations.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 13:28
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Yang Ssu-jui, Taipei, 29th) Australian House of Representatives member Dan Tehan, currently visiting Taiwan, stated in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency today that Taiwan is an important energy partner. Taiwan relies on Australia's liquefied natural gas, while Australia relies on Taiwan's diesel. The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran highlights the importance of freedom of navigation, whether in the Indo-Pacific region or anywhere else in the world.
Australian Federal Senator Carol Brown and 'Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction' House of Representatives member Dan Tehan led a cross-party parliamentary delegation to Taiwan from April 27 to May 2, and were interviewed exclusively by the Central News Agency today.
Brown stated that the delegation is a cross-party representative group based on the Australian Parliament's Taiwan friendship group, aiming to strengthen the connections between Taiwan and Australia and take this opportunity to exchange views with senior Taiwanese leaders on issues of common interest, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan-related issues.
The timing of the Australian cross-party parliamentary delegation's visit to Taiwan coincides with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong's visit to Japan, China, and South Korea; according to Reuters, Wong's trip focuses on energy security issues caused by the Middle East conflict.
In response, Tehan pointed out that the war in Iran has made energy security very important, not only for Australia but also for China, Japan, and Korea. Australia still heavily relies on liquid fuels, especially diesel, which highlights the importance of this parliamentary delegation's visit, as Taiwan is one of Australia's major diesel suppliers. This trip can convey the message that Taiwan is an important energy partner for Australia.
Tehan emphasized that Australia firmly upholds the importance of freedom of navigation. Navigation rights in the Indo-Pacific are a means to promote trade and cooperation, allowing people in various economies to benefit from free, fair, and open trade. Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has caused global damage, which is why freedom of navigation is vital, whether in the Indo-Pacific region or anywhere else in the world.
Regarding Australia's top ten trading partners, only Taiwan has not yet signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Australia. Tehan said that Australia has signed FTAs with the UK and India, and a recent agreement with the EU is awaiting parliamentary approval. Australia has a 'full dance card' when it comes to FTAs, which also includes investment agreements.
Tehan pointed out that not signing an FTA with Taiwan does not affect the importance of economic and trade relations with Taiwan. Taiwan and Australia are trusted business partners, and this trip also involved dialogues with various sectors on this, especially in energy, where Taiwan is very dependent on Australia's liquefied natural gas, and Australia is very dependent on Taiwan's diesel exports.
Australia has advantages in liquefied natural gas and critical minerals. Tehan mentioned that Taiwan and Australia should continue dialogue on this. The location of rare earth and critical mineral processing procedures is crucial, which is also an area where Taiwan and Australia are communicating. This trip also involved further discussions with the Taiwanese parliament and various ministries.
Regarding Taiwan's inability to establish a working group for its application to join the 'Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership' (CPTPP), Brown said that Australia welcomes all intentions to join CPTPP. After the delegation's exchanges with various sectors in Taiwan, they will have the opportunity to return to Australia and seek support from parliamentarians for Taiwan's accession application.
Brown believes that Australia has demonstrated its trustworthiness as an exporter, and Taiwan is also a trustworthy market, which strengthens bilateral relations. A trusted voice and position will help Taiwan negotiate with other countries.
Tehan added that Taiwan must continue to engage with other member states to reach a consensus on Taiwan's accession application and continue to demonstrate Taiwan's adherence to rules and its preparations for joining the agreement. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150429
(Central News Agency reporter Yang Ssu-jui, Taipei, 29th) Australian House of Representatives member Dan Tehan, currently visiting Taiwan, stated in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency today that Taiwan is an important energy partner. Taiwan relies on Australia's liquefied natural gas, while Australia relies on Taiwan's diesel. The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran highlights the importance of freedom of navigation, whether in the Indo-Pacific region or anywhere else in the world.
Australian Federal Senator Carol Brown and 'Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction' House of Representatives member Dan Tehan led a cross-party parliamentary delegation to Taiwan from April 27 to May 2, and were interviewed exclusively by the Central News Agency today.
Brown stated that the delegation is a cross-party representative group based on the Australian Parliament's Taiwan friendship group, aiming to strengthen the connections between Taiwan and Australia and take this opportunity to exchange views with senior Taiwanese leaders on issues of common interest, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan-related issues.
The timing of the Australian cross-party parliamentary delegation's visit to Taiwan coincides with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong's visit to Japan, China, and South Korea; according to Reuters, Wong's trip focuses on energy security issues caused by the Middle East conflict.
In response, Tehan pointed out that the war in Iran has made energy security very important, not only for Australia but also for China, Japan, and Korea. Australia still heavily relies on liquid fuels, especially diesel, which highlights the importance of this parliamentary delegation's visit, as Taiwan is one of Australia's major diesel suppliers. This trip can convey the message that Taiwan is an important energy partner for Australia.
Tehan emphasized that Australia firmly upholds the importance of freedom of navigation. Navigation rights in the Indo-Pacific are a means to promote trade and cooperation, allowing people in various economies to benefit from free, fair, and open trade. Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has caused global damage, which is why freedom of navigation is vital, whether in the Indo-Pacific region or anywhere else in the world.
Regarding Australia's top ten trading partners, only Taiwan has not yet signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Australia. Tehan said that Australia has signed FTAs with the UK and India, and a recent agreement with the EU is awaiting parliamentary approval. Australia has a 'full dance card' when it comes to FTAs, which also includes investment agreements.
Tehan pointed out that not signing an FTA with Taiwan does not affect the importance of economic and trade relations with Taiwan. Taiwan and Australia are trusted business partners, and this trip also involved dialogues with various sectors on this, especially in energy, where Taiwan is very dependent on Australia's liquefied natural gas, and Australia is very dependent on Taiwan's diesel exports.
Australia has advantages in liquefied natural gas and critical minerals. Tehan mentioned that Taiwan and Australia should continue dialogue on this. The location of rare earth and critical mineral processing procedures is crucial, which is also an area where Taiwan and Australia are communicating. This trip also involved further discussions with the Taiwanese parliament and various ministries.
Regarding Taiwan's inability to establish a working group for its application to join the 'Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership' (CPTPP), Brown said that Australia welcomes all intentions to join CPTPP. After the delegation's exchanges with various sectors in Taiwan, they will have the opportunity to return to Australia and seek support from parliamentarians for Taiwan's accession application.
Brown believes that Australia has demonstrated its trustworthiness as an exporter, and Taiwan is also a trustworthy market, which strengthens bilateral relations. A trusted voice and position will help Taiwan negotiate with other countries.
Tehan added that Taiwan must continue to engage with other member states to reach a consensus on Taiwan's accession application and continue to demonstrate Taiwan's adherence to rules and its preparations for joining the agreement. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150429