Taiwan wants to make chip supply chains more secure

In the face of increasing geopolitical tensions, the East Asian island state of Taiwan is focusing on more cooperation for robust supply chains in the semiconductor sector. "Taiwan is a reliable partner, and with our technological base and cooperative spirit, we will work with democratic partners worldwide," said President Lai Ching-te before the opening of the semiconductor trade fair Semicon in the capital Taipei.

Rapid progress in artificial intelligence (AI) has also intensified global competition, Lai said. "No single country can overcome these challenges alone," he emphasized. Lai referred to Taiwan's growing presence in the high-tech industry and investments in the USA, Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia.

Tight links to Saxony

In Dresden, for example, Taiwan's chip giant TSMC is building a semiconductor factory with Bosch, Infineon and NXP. The Taiwanese company's first European chip plant is also intended to make the European supply chain more resilient. Taiwan, which China considers to be part of its territory, is located on an important shipping route. A conflict in the region would have a serious impact on global supply chains.

Lai announced investments of more than 100 billion Taiwan dollars (around 2.8 billion euros) for Taiwan, for example to improve AI infrastructure. Taiwan wants to prioritize research in the fields of quantum computing or robotics, but also attract international companies to set up research and development centers on the independently governed island.

Semicon is an annual trade fair for semiconductor technology. This year, the organizers are expecting 1,200 companies from 56 countries. In the German pavilion, 18 companies will be exhibiting their products from the fields of manufacturing, packaging, sustainability and precision sensors. Saxony's Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD) is also expected to attend.