Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung said Taiwan is committed to working with like-minded partners to build a more resilient and diversified supply network.
The minister made the remarks in a written interview with Fatah Al-Rahman Yousouf for an article published May 19 by London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. It was the first interview of Taiwan’s foreign minister by an Arabic media outlet in 35 years.
According to Lin, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war prompted countries around the world to ramp up efforts to build secure, disruption-resistant supply chains. Taiwan’s semiconductor prowess makes the country critical to this goal, he said.
The minister said Taiwan and the U.S. have complementary high-tech strengths, adding that Taiwan’s comprehensive industrial capabilities, especially in semiconductor manufacturing, and strong intellectual property protection measures make it an essential and trusted partner for the U.S. in building resilient and strategic supply chains.
Citing President Lai Ching-te’s “Taiwan plus one” policy arrangement for Taiwan and the U.S., Lin said investments by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and many other local firms operating in the U.S. have helped create jobs and contributed to economic growth in the North American country.
Taiwan is a key link in global supply chains as it produces 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors and up to 95 percent of the most advanced chips, Lin said. The government will continue to deploy its strengths, expertise and services to create smart solutions that advance the development of allies and foster mutually beneficial relations with like-minded countries, he added.
Regarding the new U.S. tariffs, the minister said Taiwan is on Washington’s priority negotiation list and introduced the idea of a U.S. investment team from Taiwan. The government will draw on the U.S. market advantages in technology, capital and talent to form a joint fleet that will create win-win outcomes for both sides, he said. (SFC-E)
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