Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) CEO Dr. Jeremy Chih-Cheng Chang on Nov. 6 was invited to speak at the 4th Annual Geopolitics of Technology in East Asia Conference hosted by Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC).
Dr. Chang joined Professor Graham Webster of Stanford University, Ms. Katherine E. Monahan, former Acting U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and Professor Ji-Young Lee of American University’s School of International Service in a panel discussion exploring the evolving dynamics of technology and geopolitics in the Trump era, as well as the implications of artificial intelligence for international security, innovation, and economic prosperity.
The conference brought together scholars and experts from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, with diverse backgrounds spanning AI and semiconductor economics, global trade, and China studies. Through a series of discussions, participants examined topics such as the diffusion of AI innovation in East Asia, AI capabilities as a source of national power, and the shifting geopolitics of economic security among the U.S., Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
From Taiwan’s perspective, Dr. Chang analyzed the complex techno-geopolitical environment facing the region. He noted that Taiwan often finds itself at the center of the evolving U.S.-China strategic competition—either as the potential flashpoint of conflict or as a bargaining chip in great power negotiations. Yet, he emphasized that amid the global AI-driven technological revolution, Taiwan has emerged as an indispensable player—an “AI arsenal” powering the new era.
Dr. Chang said Taiwan currently not only leads the global advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry through TSMC’s dominance, but its OEM companies also account for 90% of the global AI server market. This industrial strength has helped power NVIDIA’s rise as the leader of the AI revolution. As a result, Chang said, Taiwan’s economy grew by around 8% in both Q2 and Q3 of 2025, levels that are more typical of a rapidly developing economy. In addition, TSMC’s valuation has surpassed US$1 trillion, making it the world’s most valuable manufacturing company, and Taiwan’s total stock market capitalization has now overtaken Germany’s, ranking eighth globally, nearly on par with France, said Chang
“These achievements,” Dr. Chang said, “are almost unimaginable for a frontline island that the world often fears could become the next battlefield.”Dr. Chang also reiterated Taiwan’s role as an indispensable partner for all democratic nations, highlighting DSET’s recent series of policy reports that call on like-minded allies to strengthen cooperation. Dr. Chang stressed that the United States and its partners who jointly dominate advanced semiconductor and AI technologies must work together to counter China’s grand strategy to gain supremacy in critical technology manufacturing—ensuring that democratic values continue to thrive in the age of technological competition.
