Taiwanology 【Taiwanology Ep.46】TSMC, AI, and the Chip War: Can Taiwan Stay Indispensable?
Mar 25, 2025
Jeremy Chang, CEO of Taiwan's DSET, a think tank focusing on tech policy and geopolitics, dives into TSMC's monumental $100 billion investment in the U.S. He discusses how this move reshapes the semiconductor landscape while balancing national security concerns. The conversation touches on the delicate tightrope Taiwan must walk amid U.S.-China tensions and explores whether a self-sufficient U.S. chip market undermines Taiwan's strategic importance. The insights highlight the colossal stakes involved in tech dominance and global political dynamics.
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TSMC's Investment Signals Geopolitics
- TSMC's $100 billion investment in the US is more than business; it signals geopolitical and national security shifts.
- Taiwan's semiconductor dominance places it centrally in global tech and political dynamics.
Jeremy Chang's Career Journey
- Jeremy Chang shared his personal journey from studying law in Japan to tech geopolitics.
- His international experience shaped his role in Taiwan’s tech policy think tank, DSET.
Semiconductors as Strategic Assets
- Semiconductors are vital for virtually all modern electronics and underpin the digital civilization.
- The US seeks advanced chips as critical tech and national security assets, shifting the industry's geopolitical importance.