Taiwan's Chip Industry Leadership is from Corporate R&D, Not Theft, Says Executive Yuan

(CNA, by reporters Lai Yu-chen and Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, 21st) In response to former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent claim that Taiwan stole the chip industry, the Executive Yuan stated today that Taiwan's leading position in the global chip industry is a result of domestic enterprises' autonomous research and development efforts, accumulated over a long period. The government asserted that there was no theft and that it will continue to explain and communicate externally to resolve related misunderstandings. Trump has repeatedly stated that Taiwan stole the chip industry and U.S. semiconductor technology. Robert Tsao, former chairman of wafer foundry UMC, posted yesterday that Trump's claims are absolutely not true and called on the Executive Yuan to issue a public clarification. Former legislator Lin Cho-shui also suggested today via social media that if Trump and President Lai Ching-te were to actually have a phone call, Taiwan should react on this matter. Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih, during a press conference after the Executive Yuan meeting today, stated that Premier Cho Jung-tai, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun, and Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin have repeatedly declared since last year that Taiwan's chips are the result of domestic companies' own R&D efforts. They have achieved a leading position in the world through long-term effort and accumulation, with no theft involved. Li also mentioned that Premier Cho had previously explained that countries around the world now purchase chips from Taiwan; if there were any illegal means involved, Taiwan's chip industry would not have such competitiveness and status. Furthermore, Vice Premier Cheng has also stated multiple times over the past year during tariff negotiations with the U.S. that Taiwan's semiconductor industry is the result of decades of development. Li emphasized that the government will continue to explain and communicate with the outside world regarding these misunderstandings. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150521