Director-General Elliot Wang of TECO in Atlanta stressed Taiwan's pivotal role in global semiconductor supply chains. He recognized diplomatic and security challenges, such as Chinese military drills near Taiwan, emphasizing the necessity of adaptation, given the far-reaching impacts of decisions on global trade, technology, and security. Taiwan is determined to be a force for good to secure the stability and growth in critical industries to the whole world, even during challenging times.
At the symposium, a panel of experts analyzed these developments and their implications for trade and diplomacy with the United States and the global community. Dr. Tuo-Hung Hou, Director General of the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute, emphasized Taiwan's industry dominance in foundry, IC assembly, testing, design, and memory chips. He also noted Taiwan's history of fostering innovation through initiatives like the ACED Fab Program and strong government support since the 1970s. Dr. Andrew Spicer, an Associate Professor in the Sonoco Department of International Business at the Darla Moore School of Business, USC, followed, highlighting the pressing need for supply chain resilience, given Taiwan's growing global importance in semiconductors and geopolitics.
The third panelist, Dr. Russell Hsiao, Executive Director of the Global Taiwan Institute, discussed the intricate U.S.-China competition and its
impact on Taiwan, particularly in economic and technological aspects. He emphasized the link between economic and national security, highlighting China's strategic use of geo-economics’ tools in Taiwan. In his conclusion, Dr. Hsiao recommended supporting Taiwan's international participation through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), prioritizing a comprehensive US-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) and Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA), including Taiwan into international cybersecurity cooperation mechanism, preparing a preemptive sanctionsist, and engaging in academic discussions on the complete supply chain, including raw materials.
Finally, Dr. Chris Miller, an Associate Professor at the Fletcher School of Global Affairs at Tufts University and the author of "Chip Wars," emphasized Taiwan's pivotal role in semiconductors and the need for diversification due to TSMC's dominance. He mentioned TSMC's global expansion, along with the U.S., Japan, and Europe's diversification efforts. Dr. Miller also highlighted semiconductor testing and packaging as an avenue for non-East Asian countries to strengthen their supply chain participation without straining U.S.-Taiwan relations.
