In a recent video titled “U.S. Taiwan Rep on a Thinning ‘Silicon Shield,’ Trump, TSMC and More | WSJ,” the Wall Street Journal delves into the complex relationship between the United States and Taiwan, particularly in regard to the semiconductor industry.
For years, Taiwan has enjoyed what is known as a “Silicon Shield” – a strategic advantage stemming from their expertise in advanced computer chip manufacturing. This has not only bolstered Taiwan’s economy but has also provided a level of protection from mainland China, as countries like the U.S. have a vested interest in Taiwan’s defense.
The video highlights Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the largest chip manufacturer in Taiwan, and their recent announcement to expand operations by building more fabs in the U.S. This move reflects a growing trend of U.S. investment in the semiconductor industry, as demonstrated by the CHIPS Act.
WSJ’s Gavin Bade sits down with Taiwanese Representative to the U.S., Alexander Yui, to discuss the implications of these developments. They touch upon the significance of advanced chips being made in the U.S., the U.S.-Taiwan defense relationship, and Taiwan’s security in the event of a Chinese invasion.
Overall, the video sheds light on the evolving dynamics between the U.S., Taiwan, and China, particularly in the context of the semiconductor industry. It serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of Taiwan in the global technological landscape and the delicate balance of power in the region.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “U.S. Taiwan Rep on a Thinning ‘Silicon Shield,’ Trump, TSMC and More | WSJ” was uploaded on 03/18/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal
Very tactful responses. The rep proactively avoided any incideniary rhetoric & blaming, and the repeated mentioning of "appreciative" makes it sound like he very much doesn't want the same fate as Ukraine
"They already have billings of dollars" Trump then proceeded to give more tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and corporations
buys U.S.A. weapons, of course…
3% of GDP???? China wants to invade you guys. How about you spend on defense as if your country's fate depends on it? Go above 5%
Wow what a representation from Taiwan, well spoken and diplomatic gentleman. Hope POTUS recognize the effort moving forward.
TSMC will lose it's competitive advantage in next 10 years. I am calling it now. People might laugh at me but I see a great company having to play into the hands of great powers and they are not familiar with the rules of this game. They will lose their competitive advantage and then it's all over.
It's just a matter of time—we all know what’s going to happen. That's why the USA is forcing TSMC to build fabs within the country.
Face the reality people.
Taiwan has a bright future ahead of them once they transfers knowledge. They will have plenty of high paying jobs after that 😉
If the CCP has good of access to the Pacific Ocean they will be parking their destroyers, submarines, large boats for?, in front of LA. And then it will be too late
I was caught off guard at the end of the conversation. TSMC grew under direct strategic subsidies, tax incentives, and infrastructure support, positioning it as a pillar of Taiwan’s state-guided economy. Far from a product of "freedom factor", its rise mirrors developmental state models seen in South Korea and Japan. Additionally, behind TSMC’s global dominance lies a workforce facing grueling conditions, with engineers and factory staff enduring 12-hour shifts, overnight work, and low wages.
the last part didnt make any sense because if china takes taiwan , the people go with it. china is already making pre production 3nm. with EUV
Can build next to Foxxon plant in Wisconsin which tRump did so well on.
The gentelmen says if the invade Taiwan all they are going to get is machines but not freedom wich is what builds the lates nm chips. I thought Us forbid Asml to sell China the lates machines, I did not hear any body selling freedom or sanctioning freedom.
TSM engineers work 11 hours a day and can be on call to the factory at any time
India can help! Incredible India!
stolen by the usa…301 redux…
Ultimately, if chip industry were transferred back to the US, Taiwan would lose the silicon shield, put another way, the US would have no practical reason to defend Taiwan. Especially, when the US wasn't willing to defend Ukraine against Russia, a militarily downsized China, how could the US be counted on to defend Taiwan?
Lol bringing back chip manufacturing to the US will take much longer than 4 years
one common sense that many people dont understand – the reason why PRC wants to seize Taiwan is NOT TMSC, but the land itself. Now that TMSC is moved to US, there is no incentive for the US to defend the island. But many naive Taiwanese still believe the US will save them.
The other thing that many people dont realize is, in a conflict near China's coastline, no country including the USA has any chance of winning, cuz there is no way to defend against 10+ mach missiles, and the PRC has 2000+ of those.
Kind of incredible that Taiwan invests in China while China threatens to conquer them!
I wonder why nvidia hasn’t developed their own manufacturing plant, they have the money right now
Sorry to say this because He seems a nice guy and I support the claim of a free an independent Taiwan, but those dreams are toasted: China plans to seize the island before 2040 an US has 0 chances to win a conventional war for the island, and will never go nukes just to defend that territory. Not to mention that Trump is a russian asset that would sold Taiwan to Xi for a bunch of bitcoins…
Taiwan Number One!
China will soon be on par and eventually surpass ASML and TSMC on advancement, but capturing high na or in the future hyper na machines will make them able to accelerate that progress
China will not invade Taiwan, they will surpass TSMC technology in mainland. TSMC will be bankrupt in 15 years, and Taiwanese will beg China for reunification to save their economy.
I want to see china and Taiwan have normal and beneficial relationship, both are great countries
Trump going to want more and more and more! MAFIOSO always want more. Rest assure, the US will NOT PROTECT taiwan BOBA TEA …because TSMC is NOOO LONGER TAIWANESE!
Taiwan’s military says it needs the U.S. to deter China: https://on.wsj.com/3DSAv0z