Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged to strengthen semiconductor ties with the US, addressing concerns over supply chain security.

Lai emphasized Taiwan’s crucial role in the global semiconductor industry, engaging with US partners to develop collaborative strategies.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) remains central to AI chip production, investing US$65 billion facilities, including Arizona.

President Donald Trump criticized Taiwan for weakening US semiconductor manufacturing, but Lai advocated for a “democratic supply chain” and AI collaboration.

Taiwan’s semiconductor-driven trade surplus with the US surged 83% to a record US$111.4 billion, reinforcing strong economic ties despite the absence of formal diplomacy.

Recent TSMC developments