For those who came in late, TMSC's $100 billion investment, which includes five shiny new TSMC factories in the US, was announced with great fanfare by TSMC CEO CC Wei and Trump at the White House.
Of course, Trump was quick to take credit, claiming it would bring jobs to Arizona—coincidentally, a key swing state he desperately needs to secure in 2028.
But in Taiwan, not everyone is buying the hype. TSMC’s dominance in semiconductor production isn’t just an economic advantage for Taiwan—it’s one of the island’s best defences against a potential Chinese invasion.
Beijing may dream of reclaiming Taiwan by force, but it also knows that doing so would risk turning the world’s chip supply chain into a smouldering wreck. The "silicon shield" is one of the few things keeping the island relatively safe.
So naturally, shifting primary semiconductor production to the US has left some in Taiwan wondering if Washington is more interested in securing its own chip supply than in protecting Taiwan.
President Lai Ching-te has tried to calm the storm, insisting that Taiwan, the US, and TSMC benefit from the expansion. TSMC’s chairman also assured everyone that Taiwanese production won’t be affected.
However, according to Dail Wail, former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou isn’t buying it, accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of essentially selling off Taiwan’s crown jewel to Trump.
"Taiwan is facing a more serious crisis," Ma warned, comparing it to Ukraine’s grim situation three years into the war with Russia. He pointed out that, true to form, Trump only cares about “interests” and questioned what else Taiwan would have to give up to keep him happy.
Opposition lawmaker Fu Kun-chi offered an equally bleak outlook, asking if TSMC would soon stand for American Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Taiwan already has enough problems with China breathing down its neck. Still, now it also has to contend with its supposed ally demanding more money, more jobs, and more factories in the US while offering little reassurance in return.
