TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC, 台積電) latest US$100 billion (around NT$3.3 trillion) investment in the United States represents a complex strategic decision with far-reaching implications. Chris Miller, author of "Chip War," praised the world's largest chipmaker on Tuesday (March 25), describing the move as an "extraordinary success" that strengthens U.S.-Taiwan relations.
The semiconductor giant's expansion abroad has sparked mixed reactions among industry experts. While some fear Taiwan might lose its protective "silicon shield," others view the investment as a necessary adaptation to an increasingly unpredictable global economy influenced by U.S. political dynamics.
"President Trump was very supportive of TSMC in his remarks praising the company," Miller said in a seminar organized by the Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET, 科技、民主與社會研究中心). He praised its technology and its centrality to U.S. AI supply chains. "I think all those are wins for TSMC."
Despite concerns about Taiwan's semiconductor supremacy being diminished by TSMC's Arizona expansion, Miller offered a reassuring perspective. He argued that Taiwan's dominance in the industry remains secure, backed by tangible market indicators.
Miller addressed China's evolving approach to technological development, noting its shift toward developing large language models (LLMs) that require fewer semiconductor chips while emphasizing efficiency over scale. He cautioned that if China dominates the open-source space, other countries might adopt Chinese technologies, creating potential risks.
While Taiwan's advanced chip production dominance appears secure in the near term, the industry still faces significant challenges. Geopolitical dynamics, competition for talent acquisition, and resource procurement remain pressing issues that could influence the semiconductor landscape in the coming years.
