Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s (TSMC) continued expansion in Arizona would become a model of technology cooperation between Taiwan and the US, President William Lai (賴清德) said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a meeting with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs in Taipei, Lai said Taiwan’s ties with Arizona had seen “significant progress,” marked by TSMC’s investment in the state.
He was referring to TSMC’s previous commitments between 2020 and last year to invest US$65 billion in three chip foundries in Arizona, one of which has begun operations, and its pledge to invest another US$100 billion to build three more foundries, a research and development center, and two packaging facilities in the state.
Photo: screen grab from the Presidential Office’s Flickr page
Lai said he believed that by continuing to work together, Arizona would become the “best model” of bilateral cooperation on advanced technology and efforts to build a “non-red” supply chain, referring to a network of industries free from Chinese involvement.
Hobbs said that TSMC’s venture would not only contribute to the global advancement of artificial intelligence and other technologies, but also strengthen bilateral ties, according to a statement provided by the Presidential Office following the meeting.
The governor, who assumed office in 2023 and is in Taiwan for the second time in her official capacity, also noted the shared values, and cultural and education exchanges between the two sides.
Photo: screen grab from the Presidential Office’s Flickr page
Hobbs’ delegation was visiting Taiwan until yesterday after arriving on Sunday to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, TSMC and other enterprises, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Lai on Tuesday also met with Saint Kitts and Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas at the Presidential Office in Taipei.
Lai noted longstanding collaborations between Taiwan and the Caribbean ally in areas such as education, agriculture, women’s empowerment and environmental protection and said the two nations should continue to support each other on the global stage and promote more exchanges that benefit their people.
Douglas, who is visiting Taiwan until tomorrow, said Saint Kitts and Nevis would continue to champion Taiwan’s international participation and advocate peace across the Taiwan Strait, a Presidential Office statement said.
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