OPINION:
The Biden administration and Congress seem to be overlooking a crucial fact: 50% of global semiconductor chips are made in Taiwan. The largest, most technically advanced and innovative chip manufacturer in the world is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Limited. Taiwan is not part of China and never has been. If China captures the island, the U.S. economy will be under major threat due to semiconductor shortages.
The U.S. must move all chip manufacturing out of Taiwan immediately; leaving it there is a strategic risk. The technology is a part of almost every American weapons system, and we are in danger of losing our edge in this critical field. Washington must move forward a restructuring of its global supply chain in a bid to protect its national security.
Unfortunately both the Senate’s U.S. Innovation and Competition Act and the House’s COMPETES Act have stalled in Congress. Both bills appropriate $52 billion to fund and reshore the semiconductor industry, and passing the law could help make the U.S. a plausible competitor when companies consider where to build new plants.
The U.S. must boost its high-tech sector by forming a stronger partnership with Taiwan. Semiconductor chips are a national defense priority, and President Biden and his administration should bring critical semiconductor manufacturing “onshore” now to satisfy essential economic and national security imperatives.
KENT WANG
Advisory Commissioner, Overseas Community Affairs Council
Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Virginia
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