Taiwan Counters Trump's Semiconductor Industry Comments

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about Taiwan allegedly taking American semiconductor business have sparked controversy. Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei refuted the claims, emphasizing Taiwan's role in complementing the U.S. chip industry. TSMC, a major chipmaker, is investing billions in the U.S. amid policy backing to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with his comments about Taiwan's role in the semiconductor industry, according to Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei. Speaking ahead of the Semicon Taiwan exhibition, Kuo dismissed Trump's claim that Taiwan had taken American semiconductor business.

Trump's remarks in July, suggesting Taiwan should pay the U.S. for defense and accusing the island of stealing American semiconductor jobs, led to a drop in Taiwan's TSMC shares. Despite this, Kuo clarified that Taiwan helps complement, not replace, the U.S. chip industry in manufacturing.

TSMC continues to invest in the U.S., including $65 billion on three new plants in Arizona, crucial to the Biden administration's efforts to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain. The controversy comes amid sustained U.S. policy backing for Taiwan, including arms sales, despite tense relations with China.

(With inputs from agencies.)