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>Suggestions that seem to disregard Taiwan's autonomy over its own affairs Fair, but this autonomy seems to be tenuous at the moment and grows more so as time
by Clubber 3y ago
>Suggestions that seem to disregard Taiwan's autonomy over its own affairs
Fair, but this autonomy seems to be tenuous at the moment and grows more so as time passes. You must be aware what the US is willing to do when it comes to national interest. Chips are on par with energy/oil, possibly regarded as even more important economically and militarily. I'm not sure if the US regards Taiwan's fall as inevitable or how they would act if they deemed it so. Regardless, a war over Taiwan would significantly slow chip production.
>as if U.S. interests can dictate decisions like purchasing all of TSMC and relocating them and their personnel.
I'm sure there will be a carrot and a stick, but if this happens, an offer will be made that TSMC can't refuse. TSMC seems to be more than interested in moving their fabs off Taiwan land, so I don't think this would be necessary.
>The assumption that China's primary interest in Taiwan is solely due to TSMC, with claims like 'China will lose interest once TSMC ceases its operations'.
Yes you are correct about this. China's current interest in Taiwan goes well beyond TSMC.
- ThalesX 3y ago> Fair, but this autonomy seems to be tenuous at the moment and grows more so as time passes. You must be aware what the US is willing to do when it comes to national interest. Chips are on par with energy/oil, possibly regarded as even more important economically and militarily. > I'm sure there will be a carrot and a stick, but if this happens, an offer will be made that TSMC can't refuse. I comprehend this U.S.-centric viewpoint. However, from the perspective of an independent nation state, this narrative sends a cautionary message: 'Beware of creating a product that becomes too integrated into the U.S. supply chain, because you will get rich but risk forfeiting your right to self-determination.' It is somewhat disappointing to see that, on this forum where more nuanced discussions are expected, this is the default (and appreciated) perspective.
- wslh 3y agoCould we say that almost any powerful country will try to protect their critical supply chains with every available mean? This is just plain realpolitik.
- pphysch 3y agoThe majority of USA's most critical supply chains come from China proper (PRC), not Taiwan. If this was fundamentally about economic security for the average American, Washington would not jeopardize those with economic and military brinkmanship.
- wslh 3y agoCould you list some of these critical supply components? I mean, TSMC is unique, ASML (Dutch) is more unique. What other unique components does China have? Obviously Apple depends on Foxconn but we can envision that they could be replaced within a 10-year period while TSMC or ASML not. Really curious.
- pphysch 3y agoUSA imported approximately $537,000,000,000 in goods from China last year. Medical supplies, etc. It's not just about high tech.
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- bigredhdl 3y agoCouldn't the opposite also be true though? Not having a product that is heavily integrated into the U.S. supply chain means the U.S. may not come to your aid when your neighbor invades.
- ThalesX 3y agoThis is very true! Which is why this is a fine balancing act on Taiwan, and not the simplistic 'hurr durr US interests can't allow that'. They need to carefully weight their options, and decide what is best for their nation under the circumstances.
- Incipient 3y agoThe US absolutely would be very carefully considering options. Their primary preference would be for no conflict, so they put up a front of bravado to discourage any aggression. He question does remain, if they'd actually respond to such an invasion.