The dispute between China and Taiwan has escalated to a new level of tension with recent accusations from Beijing against the island. The Chinese government claims that Taiwan is handing over its valuable semiconductor industry to the United States in order to gain political support and advance its independence aspirations. These statements have intensified an already complex conflict that involves the global economy and technological hegemony.
Beijing’s criticism emerged following reports suggesting that the multinational Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a world leader in chip manufacturing, might be negotiating the purchase of stakes in Intel, one of the largest American rivals in the sector. While neither TSMC nor Intel has officially confirmed this information, China has reacted vehemently.
“In order to seek selfish benefits, the authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party have freely demanded external forces, using Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and powerful companies to push their way through and depend on foreign countries for independence, even giving them away as souvenirs,” said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office, during a press conference in Beijing.
Zhu’s words reflect Beijing’s growing discontent with Taiwan’s strategy, which for years has maintained a strong technological and commercial relationship with the United States. Washington, for its part, has ramped up efforts to shift chip manufacturing back to its own territory, seeking to reduce dependence on Asia and strengthen its position against China.
The semiconductor industry is a fundamental pillar of the Taiwanese economy and also a strategic element in the rivalry between China and the United States. Taiwan accounts for most of the world’s advanced chip production, making it a key player in global technology and a target of geopolitical pressure.
Despite Chinese criticism, the Taiwanese government maintains its position of economic and political independence. To date, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council and TSMC have not issued official statements in response to Beijing’s accusations, although the debate continues to intensify as the chip industry becomes a crucial piece in the struggle between powers.
During his administration, Donald Trump had already criticized Taiwan for monopolizing semiconductor production and expressed on several occasions his intention for more American companies to participate in this sector. In this context, the current U.S. administration continues to promote the construction of chip factories in its territory, with the backing of industry giants.
As the technological war between China and the United States progresses, Taiwan remains at the eye of the storm. With Beijing hardening its rhetoric and Washington strengthening its relationship with the island, the semiconductor industry has become a crucial battlefield for the global economy and international diplomacy.
Source: El chapuzas informático