Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that the government is evaluating whether to include 'chip export controls' as part of its diplomatic measures. This measure was previously implemented briefly against South Africa and was quickly halted, raising concerns about whether Taiwan would use semiconductors as a diplomatic bargaining chip. Lin emphasized that the government does not wish to weaponize semiconductors, but if other countries harm Taiwan's interests, the government still needs to respond.
Diplomatic tensions are escalating, with South Africa demanding Taiwan relocate its office.
The diplomatic tension between Taiwan and South Africa has persisted for some time. Since 2023, South Africa has pressured Taiwan to relocate the 'Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa' from the administrative capital Pretoria to the commercial city of Johannesburg.
This request was made after Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the BRICS summit hosted by South Africa, leading the outside world to perceive that Taiwan's relationship with South Africa has become sensitive. By 2024, South Africa exerted pressure again before the G20 meeting (which Xi is expected to attend), demanding Taiwan's cooperation in relocation.
Taiwan's chip controls were urgently halted two days later.
In September 2025, the Taiwanese government unusually unilaterally initiated semiconductor export controls against South Africa, citing actions that 'endanger our national and public safety.'
However, the measure was only maintained for two days before the government announced a suspension of its implementation, indicating Taiwan's extreme caution in using semiconductors as a diplomatic tool. This incident also sparked discussions about whether the government might extend similar actions to other unfriendly countries.
Of particular concern is China, which relies heavily on Taiwanese chips. At that time, China had publicly criticized Taiwan for initiating chip export controls against South Africa.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized a cautious response, as China closely monitors the situation's development.
As of 11/13, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung reiterated the government's stance at a briefing in Taipei. He stated:
"We hope not to resort to these measures, but if the other party harms our interests, we also need to respond."
He emphasized that chip controls are indeed among the responsive measures being evaluated by the government, but this does not mean they will be fully implemented, nor does it clearly indicate whether they target South Africa or other countries. He also stressed, 'Taiwan does not wish to weaponize semiconductors.'
According to reports, Taiwan had considered including economic and trade policies as diplomatic tools, but there were concerns within the government about the impact on the global supply chain, potentially affecting core AI chip manufacturers like TSMC. China is seen as the market most likely to be affected, so it is closely monitoring Taiwan's actions, while the Beijing Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to Lin Chia-lung's latest remarks. South Africa continues to demand Taiwan adjust its office location ahead of the G20, further escalating tensions between the two sides.
This article discusses Taiwan's evaluation of semiconductor export control measures, with the Foreign Ministry stating: 'We do not wish to use them, but we will respond when necessary.' It first appeared in Chain News ABMedia.