As TSMC plans a massive investment in the U.S., President Lai assures citizens that it will ultimately benefit Taiwan despite worries about its semiconductor dominance.
Taiwan's President Reassures Citizens Amidst U.S. Chip Investment Concerns
Taiwan's President Reassures Citizens Amidst U.S. Chip Investment Concerns
Lai Ching-te addresses anxieties over TSMC's $100 billion expansion in the U.S., advocating for Taiwan's economic interests.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te aimed to alleviate apprehensions among his citizens regarding the announcement by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to invest $100 billion in the United States. TSMC, the globe's largest chip maker, revealed its intention to extend its operations in Arizona over the next four years, which will focus on the production of chips intended for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. This move comes amidst a backdrop of President Trump urging Taiwan to diminish its semiconductor supremacy and shift more production capabilities to the U.S., with threats of significant tariffs should this not occur.
The pledge from TSMC has ignited discussions and worry within Taiwan, where many see the semiconductor industry as a critical economic foundation and a defensive mechanism against perceived threats from China, which claims sovereignty over the island. With its new commitment, TSMC's total planned investment in the U.S. escalates to $165 billion, effectively more than doubling past investments.
During a press briefing in Taipei alongside TSMC's CEO C.C. Wei, President Lai defended the venture, portraying it as beneficial for TSMC, Taiwan, and the United States. "Every time TSMC has embarked on an initiative, it has emerged more robust and competitive, simultaneously creating avenues for international collaboration for Taiwan's businesses and fostering Taiwan's resilience,” Lai stated. He emphasized Taiwan's ability to "confidently cross the Pacific Ocean" and expand economically into the American market.
The pledge from TSMC has ignited discussions and worry within Taiwan, where many see the semiconductor industry as a critical economic foundation and a defensive mechanism against perceived threats from China, which claims sovereignty over the island. With its new commitment, TSMC's total planned investment in the U.S. escalates to $165 billion, effectively more than doubling past investments.
During a press briefing in Taipei alongside TSMC's CEO C.C. Wei, President Lai defended the venture, portraying it as beneficial for TSMC, Taiwan, and the United States. "Every time TSMC has embarked on an initiative, it has emerged more robust and competitive, simultaneously creating avenues for international collaboration for Taiwan's businesses and fostering Taiwan's resilience,” Lai stated. He emphasized Taiwan's ability to "confidently cross the Pacific Ocean" and expand economically into the American market.
