Is TSMC Taiwan’s “Silicon Shield”? From the Semiconductor Supply Chain to US–China–Taiwan Relations

Semiconductors are components that feature in many of the devices powering modern, everyday life. These include computers, mobile phones, vehicles, and household appliances. Semiconductor production is intricately linked to the global value chain, meaning that it depends on processes occurring in various parts of the world. However, unforeseen global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or geopolitical conflict, disrupt supply chains.

This lecture will introduce the geopolitical tug of war that is presently occurring in the semiconductor industry. The development of Taiwan's premier semiconductor manufacturer, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), will be the focus of the lecture.

Chun-Yi Lee is Associate Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations, and Director of the Taiwan Studies Program, at the University of Nottingham. Her first book, Taiwanese Business or Chinese Security Asset?, was published by Routledge in 2011.