Taiwan Should Play Its Chips Card More Often
Facing relentless diplomatic pressure from Beijing, Taipei has a small window to leverage its greatest asset.
A powerful weapon.
Photographer: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images
Taiwan’s move to restrict semiconductor exports to South Africa — the first time it’s ever taken such a step — was necessary. The self-governed island, which China claims as its own, has a fleeting chance to turn its technological superiority into diplomatic clout before Beijing’s pressure risks further isolating it on the global stage.
Earlier this week, Taiwan announced that it would require pre-approval for most chips sold to the African nation, a step taken after Pretoria sought to downgrade the island’s representative office and demanded it move from the capital. On Thursday, the government suspended the measure. The foreign ministry said the decision came after South Africa indicated it was willing to discuss the dispute.