Taiwan has recently placed Chinese tech giants Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) on its export control list, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing technology conflict with China. This move aligns Taiwan with the United States’ efforts to curb Beijing’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technologies.
The decision, announced by Taiwan’s International Trade Administration, means that Taiwanese companies must now obtain government approval before exporting any products or technologies to Huawei or SMIC. This blacklist inclusion targets two of China’s leading firms at the forefront of developing cutting-edge AI chip technologies.
Taiwan’s export controls are seen as a major blow to Beijing’s ambitions to become self-reliant in semiconductor production, especially as Huawei and SMIC have already been facing stringent restrictions from the United States. The Taiwanese action further restricts their access to critical resources and equipment needed for advanced chip manufacturing.
According to reports, this step is part of a broader strategy to align with international efforts to limit China’s access to sensitive technologies. Taiwan, a global leader in semiconductor production through companies like TSMC, plays a pivotal role in the global tech supply chain, making its policies highly impactful.
Industry experts warn that these restrictions could significantly hinder China’s progress in AI and other high-tech sectors, as Huawei and SMIC struggle to source essential components. The move has also raised tensions, with potential retaliatory measures from Beijing looming on the horizon.
As the tech war intensifies, Taiwan’s alignment with the US crackdown underscores the geopolitical stakes involved in controlling advanced technology. The global semiconductor industry remains a critical battleground, with far-reaching implications for economic and national security worldwide.
Alfred Lee
