The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC News) recently published a feature report , titled “For most of the world, Taiwan doesn’t officially exist. Its microchips make it hard to ignore,” The report featured an interview with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, who discussed how Taiwan, despite its lack of formal diplomatic recognition, has built a highly competitive and advanced manufacturing ecosystem over several decades.
It also cited comments from Jeremy Chang, CEO of the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET), and included insights from Miin Wu, founder of Macronix International, presenting perspectives from government, think tank, and industry on Taiwan’s strategic role in the global semiconductor supply chain and geopolitical landscape.
In the report, Chang described Taiwan as having been “a silent nation for decades.” He said the current period marks a major turning point, as Taiwan now has the opportunity to engage and cooperate with like-minded allies.
Chang emphasized that nearly every country depends on new semiconductors, making it impossible for the world to ignore Taiwan. He added that this moment represents a significant shift for Taiwan to regain greater visibility and voice within the international technological and political landscape.
Chang further remarked that the world is entering what he describes as “page one” of the artificial intelligence era:
“The developments that come next will be totally different from what human beings have experienced so far,” he said, adding that advances in robotics, drones, and AI will all be anchored by semiconductors.
He also commented on Taiwan’s enduring role within the global semiconductor network, noting that despite the industry’s expansion overseas, Taiwan remains a central hub in chip manufacturing. Chang explained that chips produced in Arizona fabrication plants still need to be sent back to Taiwan for packaging — the final stage of production that significantly enhances chip performance.
The CBC feature was published on October 17. The report examines Taiwan’s semiconductor industry as a strategic cornerstone of global technology and diplomacy.
According to CBC, Taiwan accounts for roughly 70 percent of the world’s semiconductor foundry market and 90 percent of advanced chip production — with artificial intelligence, smartphones, and automotive industries all relying heavily on Taiwanese technology.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized in the report that Taiwan’s manufacturing and innovation achievements did not happen by chance, but were the result of decades of effort and strategic investment. Miin Wu, founder of Macronix, reflected on the challenges and breakthroughs experienced during the establishment of Hsinchu Science Park in the 1980s.
