Why China might invade Taiwan over microchips | If You’re Listening | ABC News In-depth

Summary

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the world's leading chip maker, integral to global technology and military systems. Founded by Morris Chang in the 1980s, TSMC revolutionized chip manufacturing by focusing solely on production, leaving design to other companies. The company’s importance has skyrocketed, producing 60% of global semiconductor chips. TSMC's strategic role has made Taiwan a key geopolitical player, with China eyeing the company. The U.S. and allies are investing in local factories to ensure chip supply security, while TSMC remains vital in the race for global technological dominance.

Takeaways

• 😀 TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) produces the best microchips, vital for Western tech and military superiority over China.
• 😀 Microchips are incredibly complex to manufacture, requiring precise conditions and advanced technology, making them a high-value resource.
• 😀 Morris Chang, a Harvard-educated engineer who fled China, significantly improved microchip production at Texas Instruments before founding TSMC.
• 😀 Chang's innovation involved suggesting that tech companies should outsource chip manufacturing to specialists, like TSMC, rather than doing it in-house.
• 😀 TSMC was founded in the early 1980s with the backing of the Taiwanese government, which saw the company as key to Taiwan's defense and economic growth.
• 😀 TSMC pioneered the semiconductor foundry model, which has since become the global standard for chip manufacturing.
• 😀 TSMC's cleanroom labs are so advanced that even the tiniest speck of dust can ruin a microchip, requiring special protective clothing and environments.
• 😀 TSMC is responsible for about 60% of global semiconductor production, with 90% of the most advanced chips in the world.
• 😀 TSMC is now the most valuable company in Asia, and it plays a crucial role in Taiwan's economy, contributing to 5% of its GDP and 7% of its electricity usage.
• 😀 TSMC's importance has led to fears that China may attempt to take control of the company, similar to how European powers historically fought over valuable resources like nutmeg.
• 😀 The U.S. has pressured TSMC to build factories in other countries to ensure the supply of chips in case of geopolitical tensions with China, raising the stakes for Taiwan's security.

Q & A

What role do microchips play in modern technology?

Microchips are essential for powering almost all modern electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and military equipment. They enable the functionality of the devices we use daily and are the foundation for the technological infrastructure of the modern world.

Why is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) so important?

TSMC is the world's largest and most advanced manufacturer of microchips. It is responsible for producing around 60% of the world's semiconductors, including 90% of the most advanced ones. Its chips are used in various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, and military applications.

How did Morris Chang contribute to the microchip industry?

Morris Chang improved the manufacturing process at Texas Instruments, boosting the efficiency of microchip production. He later founded TSMC with the idea of outsourcing microchip manufacturing to a dedicated company, which revolutionized the semiconductor industry.

What was the unique business model pioneered by TSMC?

TSMC pioneered the dedicated semiconductor foundry business model, where companies design microchips but outsource the actual manufacturing to specialized foundries. This allowed tech companies to focus on design while leaving the complex and costly manufacturing to experts like TSMC.

What challenges are involved in manufacturing microchips?

Microchip manufacturing is highly complex and requires advanced technologies, including precise laser etching of billions of transistors onto silicon. The process demands extremely clean environments, as even a tiny particle of dust can ruin a chip.

How does the size of modern microchips compare to older versions?

Modern microchips are incredibly small and contain billions of transistors. For example, a microchip used in a modern phone is much smaller and more powerful than older chips, which required circuit boards the size of an airport. Smaller chips are more energy-efficient and powerful.

Why is Taiwan's semiconductor industry referred to as a 'sacred mountain'?

TSMC and Taiwan's semiconductor industry are referred to as a 'sacred mountain' because of their critical role in protecting Taiwan from potential military threats, particularly from China. The industry is so vital that its loss would have significant global implications.

What is the geopolitical importance of TSMC?

TSMC's dominance in semiconductor manufacturing has made it a crucial asset in global geopolitics. With tensions between Taiwan and China, TSMC is seen as a potential target for China, and its control could drastically affect the global economy and supply chains.

What are the potential consequences if China were to control TSMC?

If China gained control of TSMC, it could have significant economic leverage, potentially limiting the supply of semiconductors or increasing prices. This could harm non-Chinese companies and shift global technological power. It could also destabilize the global supply chain.

Why did Warren Buffett sell his TSMC shares in 2023?

Warren Buffett sold his TSMC shares due to concerns over the geopolitical risks associated with the company's location in Taiwan. He believed that the potential for conflict between Taiwan and China posed too great a risk to the company's future stability.