Taiwanese companies supply 63 percent of global semiconductors, compared with 12 percent by U.S. manufacturers. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) alone provides over half the world’s made-to-order chips, and an estimated 90 percent of advanced processors.
China’s leader Xi Xinping knows of the technological power that lies just within reach. After pumping billions into China’s chip fabrication efforts, the country is still trailing years behind TSMC. There is no substitute for simply taking Taiwan’s established world-class capabilities, which cannot be readily replicated. In one swift movement, the Chinese Communist Party could both supply itself and deny distribution to whomever it chooses.
If there were any doubts about China’s intentions for Taiwan, the country’s communist leaders are quickly erasing them for all to see. Recently, its military held assault drills on the beach closest to the free soil of the democratic republic that it so desperately wants to own and control. A few months earlier, it had already set an annual record for flights around Taiwan — nearly 400 aircraft.
In one day, October 18, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported 56 Chinese fighter jets within its Air Defense Identification Zone, causing air defense missile systems to be activated. As if underscoring its point, China’s intrusions came one day after the United States condemned its military activity near Taiwan. Xi has repeatedly stated his intent to “unify” China.
Asked recently if he thinks China will invade Taiwan, Gen. Michael Flynn responded, “I believe right now that this is the highest level of threat against Taiwan that I have ever seen. Yes, I believe the Chinese are preparing the battlefield to take over Taiwan.”
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If for no other reason than to defend our access to Taiwan’s semiconductors, the U.S. should defend them from China. Not to mention that it’s our responsibility as their ally.
But no, don’t count on Biden, who lives in China’s pocket, or Milley, their tattletale buddy, to do any such thing.
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