TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Tuesday (March 4) urged President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to uphold his constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC, 台積電).
Ma expressed concern about TSMC's announcement of a $100 billion investment in U.S. advanced semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting potential national security risks. He criticized the investment, suggesting U.S. demands might use TSMC as a bargaining chip, potentially harming Taiwan's interests.
Ma also cautioned that former President Donald Trump, a businessman prioritizing profit, could lead to a transactional approach in Taiwan-U.S. relations. Referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began three years ago, Ma warned of internal fears within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) that "today's Ukraine, tomorrow's Taiwan" might become a reality.
He emphasized the need for President Lai to comply with the Constitution, unite Taiwan's society, and respond to international changes to avoid failing the Constitution and the people's trust. TSMC announced its U.S. expansion on Tuesday, March 4, with three chip fabrication and two advanced packaging plants to be established in Arizona.
