TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The government should publicly reject accusations by US President Donald Trump that Taiwan stole semiconductor technology from the US, United Microelectronics Corporation founder Robert Tsao (曹興誠) said Wednesday.
Over the years, Trump alleged several times that Taiwan had stolen the now-flourishing sector, while adding the US wanted it back. In February 2025, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Taiwan would respond prudently through increased communication.
Tsao, who founded and chaired one of the country’s top semiconductor contract makers, said Wednesday Trump’s accusations were just not true, per CNA. He called on the government to issue a public rebuttal of the US president’s comments.
Tsao explained in a Facebook post that the Industrial Technology Research Institute signed a contract on Taiwan’s behalf with US electronics manufacturer RCA on March 5, 1976. The agreement, valid for 10 years, covered the payment of NT$7.9 billion (US$250 million) for the transfer of technology and NT$3.16 billion for licensing fees, Tsao said.
The consequences of Trump’s allegations were extremely grave, according to the semiconductor pioneer. Apart from the undiplomatic pronouncements, Trump was also pushing Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US and tear down Taiwan’s “silicon shield,” he said.
Tsao called on the government to stop being silent and to provide a clear explanation of the origin of Taiwan’s semiconductor successes, CNA reported. The government should mention the massive investment of resources and the tough research efforts behind the development of the sector, the former UMC chair said.
