Taiwan's Strategic Gamble: Semiconductor Leverage in U.S.-China Tensions

Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu emphasizes Taiwan's indispensable role in global semiconductor production amidst U.S.-China tensions. Wu suggests the Trump administration may prioritize Taiwan's semiconductor industry, highlighting increased Chinese military activities and Taiwan's bolstered defense budget as key influences in the geopolitical landscape.

Amid escalating U.S.-China tensions, Taiwan is leveraging its semiconductor industry to remain a crucial ally for the United States. Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu expressed confidence that President Trump would not forsake Taiwan due to its significant contribution to the global semiconductor market, as reported by Taiwan News.

Wu addressed concerns over Trump's previous insistence that Taiwan should pay more for U.S. military aid. He highlighted Taiwan's nearly doubled defense budget over the past eight years and noted a backlog of undelivered U.S. weapon orders. Wu indicated Taiwan's readiness to purchase advanced U.S. weapons, such as F-35 jets, should they become available.

On the defense front, Wu outlined Taiwan's "not today" strategy, intended to keep Chinese ambitions in check. U.S. Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kevin Schneider revealed a sharp increase in Chinese military activities around Taiwan, emphasizing the strategic challenges facing the Trump administration, as reported by Taipei Times.

(With inputs from agencies.)