4 ms·
> By moving some of that capability offshore, that incentive is gone. China's main motivation isn't about controlling TSMC, that's just a useful side-objective
by SkyMarshal 4y ago
> By moving some of that capability offshore, that incentive is gone.
China's main motivation isn't about controlling TSMC, that's just a useful side-objective if it comes to pass. Their main motivations are:
1) break the first island chain barrier and gain a naval base with unhindered access to the Pacific, and
2) shut down a high-functioning Chinese democracy that is a constant reminder to the people of mainland China that democracy works for Chinese people and that they don't actually need the CCP.
These are also the reasons the US and Taiwan's other allies like Japan will continue to defend the country even if it moves some chip production to safer locales.
- filoleg 4y agoPerhaps it isn't about controlling TSMC, but control of TSMC would be a very strong leverage over the west. Not that it is the only or even the most powerful leverage China has over the west, but it is still a massive one, and it has quite a lot of second-order effects.
- coredog64 4y agoChina wants to focus more of their economy on internal demand. Something like TSMC, which would allow them to fab CPUs and own more of the value chain in things like laptops and cellphones would help them reach that goal.
- WastingMyTime89 4y agoHardly, TSMC is dependent on outside suppliers in Europe and the USA which would not supply China.
- SkyMarshal 4y ago> but control of TSMC would be a very strong leverage over the west. They'll never control TSMC by invading Taiwan. TSMC will sabotage their equipment if it looks like a CCP invasion is about to succeed. CCP knows that, it's not their main reason for wanting Taiwan.