Donald Trump said Taiwan would also invest US$4.4 billion in Alaska’s natural gas pipeline project.(AFP pic)WASILLA: US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that Taiwan has agreed to buy 30% of the output from Alaska's to-be-built natural gas pipeline.

"Taiwan has just agreed to buy 30% of the gas coming off the pipeline for the next 20 years," Trump said during a rally in Wasilla, Alaska.

Trump said Taiwan would also invest US$4.4 billion into the project, and comes as Taipei seeks to secure Washington's favour amid tensions with China. The self-ruled island is claimed by Beijing as its territory.

Taiwan imports nearly all of its energy supply, with official data showing about 38% of its natural gas comes from Australia, 25% from Qatar and just under 10% from the US.