Let Taiwan be bold
Earlier this year, the South African government downgraded Taiwan’s representative office in Pretoria and has repeatedly requested that the office relocate outside the administrative capital. South Africa’s actions are clearly in line with Chinese pressure aimed at isolating Taiwan diplomatically. Instead of silently acquiescing, Taiwan has hit back with semiconductor export controls on South Africa, detailing a list of 47 products, including chips, transistors and memory devices, that would now require prior approval.
The move is a clear signal: Taiwan plays a critical role in the global supply chain and is certainly not without options.
This was the right move. Taiwan has kept a low profile for a long time, with hopes that humility might earn it respect. Instead, we have been stepped on. This time, let us be bold and tell the world that Taiwan is not a tiny country — it has strength and guts. From technology to democracy and resilience, Taiwan has already proven itself across the board.
Enforcing export controls is certainly playing hardball, and there might be risks involved. However, in a critical moment such as this, not doing so would mean being overlooked. I would rather see Taiwan stand up than swallow its pride. Respect is not something that is bestowed; it must be earned and defended.
Those who try to beat Taiwan down should know that isolation and threats would not make us bow our heads and retreat. What we ask for is a very basic level of respect. If strength is what earns respect in this world, then Taiwan is ready.
Shih Li
Tainan
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