Taiwan targets blood bag production as China steps up pressure

Taiwan aims to start producing its own blood bags – a key item for saving lives on the battlefield – adding to signs that President Lai Ching-te is stepping up preparations for a potential conflict with China.

The Health Ministry has been working closely with other government agencies, including the National Security Council, to enhance Taiwan’s medical preparedness for emergencies, Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi told Bloomberg News.

Strengthening domestic production capacity for key medical supplies, including blood bags, is a part of the strategy, she said, as was ensuring that imports of medical supplies were secure.

“The Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have underscored the risks of relying solely on foreign sources for essential medicines and medical equipment,” Ms Lin said.

Ukraine’s health-care resources have been strained during its fighting with Russia, leading to shortages of oxygen, medications and more.

Mr Lai has made preparing the self-ruled archipelago of 23 million people for a possible conflict with China a central part of his policymaking since he took office a little more than a year ago.

In 2024, he held the first meeting of a civil defense committee that discussed ways to make sure key energy facilities and critical infrastructure can operate in a crisis.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory that must be brought under its control someday, by force if necessary.

The People’s Liberation Army has held an unprecedented amount of military exercises around Taiwan since Mr Lai took over, underscoring its deep distrust of a leader it worries will formalise Taiwan’s independence.

Officials in Taipei downplay the likelihood of a conflict with China anytime soon, though US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently warned more urgency is needed to prepare for a potential People’s Liberation Army invasion.

From at least 2024, the US –