TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai firmly advocated against Taiwan reverting to reliance on China's market on Saturday (Dec. 30). He argued that the trade of services and goods only exposes Taiwan to economic vulnerability at the hands of China.
Chen, who was campaigning alongside legislative candidate Cheng Wen-tsan in Taoyuan's Guishan district, expressed disappointment over the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) inability to establish a factory in Taoyuan and the suspension of plans for the Asia Silicon Valley Innovation and Development Center.
Chen revealed his earlier concerns when he heard that former Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan was actively courting TSMC to Taoyuan, fearing that Kaohsiung would fall far behind. However, to his surprise, TSMC chose not to settle in Taoyuan.
Also, Chen pointed out that Kaohsiung's 5G internet innovation park was inspired by Taoyuan's successful experience, which is now flourishing. Meanwhile, Taoyuan's Asia Silicon Valley Innovation and Development Center's suspension has raised concerns.
Highlighting Taiwan's dominance in the global semiconductor industry, with TSMC controlling 92 percent of advanced manufacturing processes and 62 percent of global production value, Chen emphasized the importance of pursuing the development of the Asia Silicon Valley.
