Taiwan Stresses Global Collaboration in Semiconductor Industry Amid U.S. Criticism
Taiwan has reaffirmed its stance on the global semiconductor industry, emphasizing that no single country needs to dominate the sector. The statement comes in response to recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reiterated his criticism of Taiwan’s stronghold in chip manufacturing and expressed his intent to bring more semiconductor production back to the United States.
Wu Cheng-wen, the head of Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council, addressed the issue in a Facebook post on Saturday, highlighting the collaborative nature of the semiconductor industry. While he did not directly name Trump, his comments aligned with those made by Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, a day earlier. Lai had pledged that Taiwan would remain a reliable partner in the democratic supply chain for semiconductors, reinforcing the island’s commitment to global cooperation rather than exclusivity.
Trump’s Claims on Taiwan’s Semiconductor Dominance
During a public address on Thursday, Trump accused Taiwan of having “taken” the semiconductor industry, stating that he wanted to bring chip manufacturing back to the United States. The former president has consistently emphasized the need for the U.S. to regain control over critical technologies, including semiconductors, which are essential for defense, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and consumer electronics.
Trump’s remarks reflect broader concerns in the U.S. about reliance on foreign chip manufacturers, particularly given Taiwan’s dominant role in global semiconductor production. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the world’s largest contract chipmaker, supplying critical components to major tech companies such as Apple, Nvidia, and AMD.
Taiwan’s Response: A Half-Century of Development
Wu countered Trump’s claims by outlining Taiwan’s long history of semiconductor industry development, stating that its leadership position was not “taken” from any other country but rather the result of decades of investment and innovation.
“How did we achieve this? Obviously, we did not gain this for no reason from other countries,” Wu wrote, highlighting that Taiwan’s rise in the semiconductor sector was a deliberate and strategic effort that began in the 1970s. He recounted how the government played a key role in fostering the industry, including its involvement in the founding of TSMC in 1987.
“This shows that Taiwan has invested half a century of hard work to achieve today’s success, and it certainly wasn’t something taken easily from other countries,” he added, stressing that Taiwan’s achievements in chip manufacturing were built on its own research, development, and policies.
The Semiconductor Industry’s Global Nature
Wu further emphasized that the semiconductor industry is a highly complex, specialized, and globally interconnected sector that thrives on international collaboration rather than monopoly. He pointed out that different countries contribute unique strengths to the industry, making it impractical for a single nation to control the entire supply chain.
For example:
- Japan is a leader in manufacturing the chemicals and equipment essential for chip production.
- The United States remains at the forefront of semiconductor design and the development of advanced applications.
- Taiwan has become the world’s leading chip manufacturer, providing cutting-edge fabrication services.
“The semiconductor industry is highly complex and requires precise specialisation and division of labour. Given that each country has its own unique industrial strengths, there is no need for a single nation to fully control or monopolise all technologies globally,” Wu said.
His statement aligns with broader views in the industry, which recognize that chip manufacturing is not a zero-sum game but rather a global network of interdependent players. Even as the U.S. and Europe push for greater semiconductor independence through initiatives such as the CHIPS Act and the European Chips Act, experts agree that international collaboration remains crucial for advancing semiconductor technology.
Geopolitical and Economic Context
The debate over semiconductor dominance comes amid rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory, sits at the heart of these tensions due to its outsized role in global semiconductor production. The U.S. has been actively working to secure its semiconductor supply chain, investing billions of dollars in domestic chip manufacturing and restricting China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology.
The push to reduce dependence on Taiwan-based chipmakers has led companies like TSMC and Samsung to expand operations in the U.S. and other regions. TSMC, for instance, is building a $40 billion chip facility in Arizona as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor capabilities.
However, industry leaders, including TSMC executives, have cautioned that fully shifting semiconductor production away from Taiwan would be highly challenging due to the island’s deep expertise, existing infrastructure, and cost efficiencies.
The Future of Semiconductor Collaboration
Taiwan’s emphasis on global collaboration rather than monopoly reflects a pragmatic approach to semiconductor manufacturing. While countries like the U.S., Japan, and South Korea are ramping up efforts to build domestic chip industries, Taiwan remains a critical player in the global supply chain.
Despite U.S. ambitions to regain chip manufacturing dominance, experts argue that a balanced approach—one that strengthens domestic capabilities while maintaining international partnerships—is the most viable path forward.
As geopolitical tensions and technological competition intensify, Taiwan’s message is clear: The semiconductor industry is best served by cooperation, specialization, and shared expertise rather than protectionism or nationalistic policies.
With the demand for advanced semiconductors continuing to grow, the industry’s future will likely depend on the ability of nations to work together to drive innovation while ensuring security and stability in the global supply chain.
