Taiwanese Vice President Competitors Dispute Over TSMC Investment Abroad

Jaw Shaw-kong, a vice presidential candidate from Taiwan's largest opposition party, Kuomitangtang (KMT), (photo: x @AsianAmericanUS)

JAKARTA - Chip manufacturer from Taiwan, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co), is in the spotlight in the campaign fight for the presidential and parliamentary elections which will take place on January 13. Disputes arise between vice presidential candidates related to TSMC investment abroad and whether tensions with China make Taiwan a place that is too risky to invest.

In a live televised debate, Jaw Shaw-kong, vice presidential candidate from Taiwan's largest opposition party, Kuomitang (KMT), said that Wall Street financials had met him before he decided to participate in the presidential election. They asked if there would be a war.

"If Taiwan doesn't have a peaceful environment, no one dares to invest," Jaw said, blaming the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in power over tensions with China. "Our capital TSMC wants to move abroad. Taiwan plus one-one factory in Taiwan, one overseas, emptys our Taiwan."

TSMC, which is building factories in Japan and the United States of Arizona, as well as planning others in Germany, has not responded to requests for comment. Companies and governments have repeatedly stated that most production, including the most advanced chips, will remain in Taiwan.

The candidate for vice president of the DPP, capki Bi-khim, a former Taiwanese ambassador who is well-known in the United States, told Jaw that foreign investment hit record highs under the DPP administration.

"TSMC is Taiwan's pride and should not be used for competition or political consumption. It is our sacred mountain that protects the country," he said, using a general expression in Taiwan that illustrates how important the company is to the island's economy.

menambahkan bahwa TSMC membuat keputusan tentang penyebaran globalnya berdasarkan kebutuhan industri dan pelanggan. "Kami berharap semua bisnis Taiwan mendapatkan restu semua orang dalam proses penataan global."