• Kuomintang candidate Jaw Shaw-kong: Blames DPP for strained China relations, worries about foreign investment, argues against "Taiwan plus one" strategy for TSMC.
• DPP candidate Hsiao Bi-khim: Counters with record foreign investment under DPP, defends TSMC's global expansion as necessary, calls it a "sacred mountain" protecting Taiwan.

Taiwan Election Heats Up with TSMC Debate: National Pride vs. Investment Risks

As Taiwan gears up for presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13th, tensions with China and the future of semiconductor giant TSMC are taking center stage. Two key vice presidential candidates have clashed over the company's overseas investments and its impact on Taiwan's economic security.

Wall Street's Anxiety and "Taiwan Plus One": Jaw, representing the opposition Kuomintang, claims Wall Street investors are concerned about potential war and the implications for TSMC's future in Taiwan. He expresses fears of a "Taiwan plus one" scenario, where TSMC prioritizes overseas production, impacting Taiwan's economic stability.

TSMC's Global Ambitions and National Pride: Hsiao, from the ruling DPP, counters by citing record foreign investment under their administration and emphasizes TSMC's global ambitions driven by industry needs and customer demands. She passionately defends TSMC as a "sacred mountain" crucial for Taiwan's economic security and prosperity.

Uncertainties: Finding Balance: This debate reflects the complex interplay between Taiwan's economic well-being, its precarious geopolitical situation, and the national pride associated with TSMC's success. Ultimately, the voters will decide whether they prioritize investment-driven expansion or prioritize safeguarding TSMC within Taiwan's borders.

This election promises to be a pivotal moment for Taiwan, and the future of TSMC will remain a central piece of the narrative.