Taiwan Plans Domestic Blood-Bag Production Amid China Tensions

Taiwan is initiating domestic production of blood bags, a critical medical supply for battlefield and emergency use, as part of a broader strategy to bolster its medical self-reliance amid escalating tensions with China. Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Welfare, together with national security agencies, is working to enhance Taiwan's emergency preparedness, including securing medical imports. This move responds to vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, which revealed the risks of relying solely on foreign sources for essential medical supplies. President Lai Ching-te has prioritized preparing Taiwan's population and infrastructure for a possible conflict with China, holding civil defense meetings and focusing on critical infrastructure resilience. Despite official statements downplaying an imminent conflict, the Chinese People's Liberation Army has increased military exercises around Taiwan, and U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have urged greater urgency in Taiwan's defense preparations. The U.S., Taiwan's main military supporter, has also expressed concern about Taiwan's blood reserves and logistics, reinforcing the importance of these new domestic production efforts.