Published since 2019 by the Fair Winds Foundation and Association of Foreign Relations, Taiwan Weekly provides in-depth report and analysis of the major issues facing Taiwan.
President Lai Attempts to Gloss Over Situation, Cannot Hide the Harsh Reality of TSMC's Concessions to the U.S.
Chairman C. C. Wei of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) recently joined President Donald Trump of the United States at the White House to announce an additional $100 billion investment in the United States, bringing the total investment to $165 billion. This move has sparked public concerns that TSMC is turning into "American Semiconductor Manufacturing Company" or even "Trump Semiconductor," leading to fears that Taiwan's "Silicon Shield" may no longer protect the island. In response, President Lai Ching-te held an urgent press conference with Wei on March 6. This had two key purposes: First, to reaffirm the government's presence and emphasize that they were not uninformed beforehand; second, to reassure the public that TSMC is still committed to Taiwan.
Details
Over Past Quarter, Wei Frequently Visited the U.S., Cautiously Responding to Trump
In just 60 hours, Chairman C. C. Wei of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) held press conferences accompanied by two presidents. As President Donald Trump of the United States remarked earlier at a White House press briefing, "No one has done what he has. He is truly a legend." Indeed, Wei has created a legendary chapter in the history of the global semiconductor industry.
Details
Lai Administration's Defense Budget Fails to Address Inadequate Military Personnel
President Donald Trump of the United States warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he has no right to criticize the United States, citing Ukraine's shortage of military personnel as one reason. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Ukraine is forcing conscripted soldiers to the front lines, revealing a severe manpower issue. The saying "Today Ukraine, Tomorrow Taiwan" underscores Taiwan’s own severe shortage of military personnel, a problem no less critical than Ukraine’s.
Details
Disappearance of "Peace" from China's Taiwan-Related Work Conference A Warning Sign
On February 26, two major developments in cross-strait relations took place: mainland China convened its annual Taiwan-related work conference and announced a live-fire drill in waters approximately 40 nautical miles off Taiwan's southern coast. The former made no mention of the word "peace" throughout the proceedings, while the latter was an unannounced military exercise near Taiwan’s territorial boundaries. These two events reflect the ongoing deterioration of cross-strait relations, with no signs of improvement.
Details
Catering to President Lai, Anti-China Bureaucratism on the Rise
Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao recently announced plans to prohibit academic exchanges between Taiwanese universities and three mainland institutions—Jinan University, Huaqiao University, and Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College—due to their affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department. Additionally, Taiwan will no longer recognize degrees from these universities. While the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration justifies this ban as a countermeasure against United Front influence, a deeper concern emerges: Taiwan’s bureaucracy has become entirely entangled in ideological constraints, exposing a dangerous trend of "anti-China bureaucratism." This, rather than the ban itself, may have more severe consequences.
Details
Despite Trump in Power, Lai Administration Still Pursuing Biden-Era Policies
In response to the shockwaves caused by the political resurgence of President Donald Trump of the United States, President Lai Ching-te recently convened a high-level national security meeting, launching his "Three Arrows" strategy, which includes increasing defense spending, reforming national security laws, and advancing a global democratic supply chain.
Details
President Lai Should Not Repeat Zelenskyy's Mistakes
After a four-hour meeting between United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, four key agreements were reached. During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the talks, echoing Russia's position that both sides had lost many soldiers and that Russia wanted to end the war quickly.
Details
New U.S. Stance: Taiwan's Future to Be Decided by People on Both Sides of the Strait
The United States Department of State updated its "U.S.-Taiwan Relations Fact Sheet," drawing attention in Taiwan for its removal of phrases such as "does not support Taiwan independence." However, what has been largely overlooked is the addition of a new statement: "We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved peacefully, without coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the Strait."
Details
TSMC Should Not and Cannot Save Intel
The future relationship between the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Intel has recently become a focal point, with various proposals emerging, including TSMC acquiring shares in Intel or splitting up the company. While TSMC may help the United States alleviate its "chip anxiety," it should not and cannot be responsible for saving Intel.
Details
President Lai Should Facilitate Cross-Partisan Dialogue, Not Inter-Yuan Coordination
President Lai Ching-te convened a historic first "inter-Yuan coordination" meeting, a significant gesture that proved ultimately futile. While President Lai enjoys ceremonial admiration as the head of state, his efforts to resolve the conflict between the executive and legislative branches over the national budget and political tension from mass recalls have been ineffective. The meeting, filled with ceremonial flair, ultimately served as a symbolic gesture with no real impact, especially with the judiciary and Control Yuan being represented by deputies, exposing the incomplete nature of the Lai administration.
Details