China has slated a major new chips act passed by the US Congress claiming it will distort the global semiconductor supply chain and disrupt international trade.
China’s commerce ministry spoke out on Friday after the US House of Representatives passed sweeping legislation to subsidise its domestic semiconductor industry aimed at helping the US compete with the likes of China and Taiwan.
China had lobbied against the bill, calling it reminiscent of a “Cold War mentality” and “counter to the common aspiration of people” in both countries.
China said it will take measures to safeguard its rights, if necessary, as and when the act is implemented.
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Taiwan’s leaders, meanwhile, were confident its key position as the world’s leading chipmaker would not be threatened by the legislation.
Taiwan is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, which is also investing $12 billion in a new plant in Arizona.
The Economy Ministry noted that it is “happy to see” Taiwanese firms being able to access “resources on the ground” when they operate around the world, and to establish good relations in the US supply chain.
“Whether in the past, present or future, Taiwan will continue to play the role of an indispensable partner in the global supply chain,” said the ministry.
Taiwan has been keen to show the United States, its most important international backer at a time of rising military tensions between Taipei and Beijing, that it is a reliable friend as a global chip crunch impacts auto production and consumer electronics.
But Taiwan’s government is also determined to keep the majority of advanced chip manufacturing at home.
- Reuters with additional editing by Sean O’Meara
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