Taiwan’s Place in the Global Tech Race

It’s no secret that Taiwanese factories produce much of the world’s computer chip and semi-conductor supplies used in a variety of products from smartphones to medical equipment. That alone may not seem cause for concern, but when you layer in an increasingly hostile geopolitical environment, a better picture of national security risk emerges. 

China views Taiwan as a breakaway republic and has vowed to reunify.  In recent months, the Chinese military has increased exercises and provocative moves that some, including Cipher Brief experts, have said are efforts to intimidate Taiwan while reinforcing a strong message for China’s domestic audience.  The US, for its part, has increased military support to Taiwan, via the sale of US military hardware and technology.