In a surprise White House ceremony, US President Donald Trump announced a massive $100 billion investment from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in the United States. While Trump hailed it as a victory, the move has ignited fears in Taiwan over the potential erosion of its prized semiconductor industry.
Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of “selling TSMC” to Trump as a “protection fee.” Meanwhile, Taiwan’s current President Lai Ching-te reassured citizens that the company remains committed to its home base.
With TSMC producing over 90% of the world’s advanced microchips, many in Taiwan worry that losing this technological edge could weaken its “silicon shield” against China’s growing military pressure. Trump’s rhetoric on Taiwan, coupled with his shifting foreign policy stance, has deepened uncertainty, leading some to fear the island’s fate could mirror that of Ukraine.
