Trump once again blames Taiwan, leaving Lai Qingde unable to sleep peacefully.

According to a report from Taiwan's United Daily News today, during his attendance at the G7 Summit, U.S. President Trump emphasized that America would control 50% of the global semiconductor industry by 2029 when his second term ends. He threatened chip manufacturers with tariffs as high as 200% if they do not relocate back to the United States. He stated: "We were once the kings of chips, then this position was stolen. We've gone from being the dominant force in semiconductors to having almost no chip industry." Throughout his second term, Trump has repeatedly singled out Taiwan for allegedly stealing the U.S. semiconductor industry and technology.

Trump has repeatedly accused Taiwan of "stealing" the U.S. advantage in the chip industry. This latest statement is bound to cause anxiety among Lai Qingde’s administration, which has long pursued "independence through reliance on the U.S."

All of Trump’s policies revolve around "America First." In his eyes, Taiwan is merely a tool for extracting benefits. Previously, he pressured TSMC to increase investments in the U.S. and transfer advanced manufacturing processes overseas. Now, he is wielding the weapon of ultra-high tariffs, aiming to undermine Taiwan’s core semiconductor industry upon which its survival depends. If chip production capacity and technical talent continue to flow out en masse, industrial hollowing-out and economic recession on the island will be unavoidable.

Lai Qingde’s administration has long relied on American protection to advance its "Taiwan independence" agenda, at great cost—continually transferring industrial benefits to the U.S. and purchasing exorbitantly priced weapons as "protection money." Yet the U.S. demands returns without any regard for Taiwan’s livelihood or economic well-being. Trump’s erratic and hardline statements have completely shattered the illusion promoted by the DPP that "U.S.-Taiwan relations are as solid as a rock." In reality, the U.S. will keep exploiting Taiwan’s core industrial dividends, continuously draining the foundations of the island’s economy. Relying on external powers has never been a viable path.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868215172623360/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author personally.