TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) told Saudi Arabian media that Taiwan produces 95% of the world's most advanced semiconductors.
In May, Lin granted a written interview to Fatah Al-Rahman Yousouf, a senior editor at Asharq Al-Awsat, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the article published in Arabic on Sunday, Lin highlighted Taiwan’s crucial position in the global industrial supply chain and expressed its willingness to work with friendly nations to build resilient and diversified supply networks.
The English version was published on Monday. The ministry said this marks the first time in 35 years that an Arab media outlet has featured an interview with a Taiwanese foreign minister, drawing attention across the region.
Lin said Taiwan and the US have a complementary partnership in the high-tech sector, with the US leading globally in technology, and Taiwan a “global powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing.” He said Taiwan’s comprehensive industrial capabilities and rigorous intellectual property protection have made it “an essential and trusted partner” in US efforts to build resilient and strategic supply chains.
The minister introduced the “Taiwan plus-one policy” as a new industrial collaboration model between Taiwan and the US. He said that since 2023, the US has become a top recipient of Taiwanese investments, which have created jobs and greatly bolstered US manufacturing.
Beyond TSMC, Lin said, many other major Taiwanese firms are actively expanding operations in the US. “Taiwan will continue to work with the US and other like-minded countries through the initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships to build a more resilient and diversified supply network,” said Lin.
The minister said that Taiwan plays a key part in global commerce as the world's 21st-largest economy: "We produce 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors and up to 95 percent of the most advanced chips, making Taiwan a key link in global supply chains.” He added that Taiwan’s industries have expanded globally, and the country continues to develop smart solutions.
On the topic of US tariff policies, Lin said Taiwan has responded proactively: “We are on the US priority negotiations list. And we will implement countermeasures in response to the tariffs to secure our best interests." He also mentioned Taiwan’s proposal to establish a team for investing in the US.
He emphasized the US market's strengths in terms of technology, capital, and talent. Lin said Taiwan will maximize these advantages to form a “Taiwan-US joint fleet,” creating a win-win situation for both countries.
