To decide whether eight-inch silicon wafer foundries should or can be allowed to move to China is certainly under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet. But only after a scrupulous and comprehensive review can the Cabinet make its final decision. The key actually hinges on the task force consisting of representatives from industry, government and academia.
The core task of the team is to review on a regular basis the "the types of investment that can be allowed to be invested in China" and carefully evaluate "the transfer or loss of core technology caused by China-bound investment" in accordance with the "implementation plan" for the "active opening, effective management" consensus reached at the Economic Development Advisory Conference (EDAC, 經發會). The problem of the eight-inch silicon wafers moving west is a core issue to be reviewed by the task force. So far, it has not reached a conclusion on the matter.
Vice Premier Lin Hsin-yi (林信義) has said, "[The Cabinet] will make a resolution earlier than the end of this month as initially scheduled," while Minister of Economic Affairs Christine Tsung (宗才怡) said, "Opening up the eight-inch chip investments is of great urgency." We have also seen several other officials urge this "opening up" on the legislative floor. All of these examples have violated administrative procedures and made a mockery of the task force's authority.
The EDAC is a mechanism set up single-handedly by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁). "Carrying out the EDAC's consensus" is also the promise Chen has always kept in mind. Despite the Cabinet reshuffle, the legal status and power of the task force remain unchanged and the question of whether eight-inch wafer fabs should be allowed to go to China is still being reviewed.
Only after the task force presents its report will the Cabinet have any basis for discussion and the possibility of making a decision. In their eagerness to declare their positions to the legislature and the public at a time when the task force is still debating the issue, Cabinet members have overstepped the task force's authority and violated the procedure.
The Cabinet has been dubbed a "combative Cabinet," but combat should not be without method. The task force has yet to offer its comments, but the Cabinet has hastily jumped to a conclusion. Haste makes waste. The problem will be really terrible if it sparks an "implosion."
Chin Heng-wei is editor in chief of the Contemporary Monthly magazine.
Translated by Jackie Lin
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry