My Take | Taiwan has just sold out TSMC and half its chips industry to the US
The so-called silicon shield is bust as there will not be much left of the island to defend after the forced relocation of a significant chunk of industrial base under new tariff deal
Fifty Shades of Grey is one of the most tediously boring films I have ever watched. But I do admit being mildly amused watching the young Dakota Johnson being “punished”, and then having to say thank you.
I am reminded of the erotic Hollywood blockbuster after reading about Taiwan’s latest tariff deal with the United States, which is not so much an agreement as complete capitulation, and then having to say “thank you, master” to the White House under Donald Trump.
There ought to be a separate political category in international relations, say, “political sadomasochism”, to describe the self-defeating Taiwanese government under Lai Ching-te and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Vice-Premier Cheng Li-chiun called the deal a “win-win”, saying it was not a “move” from Taiwan, but a “build” in the US that would expand Taiwan’s overseas investment footprints while encouraging US investment on the island. Yeah, sure, Anastasia, say no more, we completely understand.
There is, in fact, no such US commitment.
Under the terms, the US will limit tariffs on Taiwan to 15 per cent, down from 20 per cent, and promise zero duties on generic drugs, their ingredients, aircraft components and some natural resources.