Taiwan Imposes Semiconductor Export Controls on South Africa
Taiwan's President William Lai has taken a firm stance to safeguard the nation's sovereignty, implementing stricter technology diplomacy. This move includes the country's first-ever export controls on semiconductor products, targeting Africa, specifically South Africa.
Starting next month, Taiwan will enforce export controls on 47 products, including chips and integrated circuits (ICs), destined for South Africa. This decision comes after the South African government unilaterally downgraded Taiwan's representative office in Pretoria, breaching a 1997 agreement. The move, pressured by South Africa since late 2023, has strained relations.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has played a crucial role in this diplomatic row. It has set export controls on semiconductor trade to defend Taiwan's sovereignty. This is a significant shift for Taiwan's semiconductor industry, which typically operates independently of political intervention. The industry may face challenges, including potential customer churn and damage to Taiwan's global supplier role.
Taiwan's response is not isolated. It has cooperated with Western democracies to impose export restrictions on Russia, demonstrating its commitment to defending national interests and dignity.
Taiwan's President William Lai has initiated tougher technology diplomacy, imposing export controls on 47 products, including chips and ICs, to South Africa. This move is a response to South Africa's unilateral request to relocate Taiwan's representative office and breach of a 1997 agreement. While this may pose challenges to Taiwan's semiconductor industry, the country remains committed to safeguarding its national sovereignty and interests.
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