Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ADR saw a increase, closing at $402.46. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ADR rose more than 5 percent to close at 402.46 USD last Friday. United Microelectronics Corporation ADR rose 9.35 percent following positive financial results and real-time share buybacks. TSMC ADRs rose by $160 million to close at $397.67.

The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) has outlined its political objectives leading into the 2026 elections. The party intends to visit the United States to discuss military and security issues to ensure regional harmony. The Kuomintang (KMT) aims to balance relations between the United States and China to facilitate cross-strait exchanges. This strategy is intended to improve the party's standing with voters during the upcoming elections. The party suggests that the 2026 elections could be framed as a choice between war and peace regarding cross-strait exchanges.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo addressed the controversy regarding a retired Navy Major who appeared on a Chinese military vessel. Political parties are currently coordinating on specific details and defense items to ensure public transparency. Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang stated that negotiations must reach a conclusion that can be explained to the citizens. The legislative process aims to allow party groups to exercise autonomy in professional coordination regarding these defense measures. The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus has committed to supporting the procurement of advanced weaponry to defend Taiwan. Kuomintang (KMT) officials are engaged in negotiations to secure advanced weaponry for Taiwan's defense. Kuomintang member Chuang Jui-hsiung stated that military procurement regulations are currently drawing international attention.

Tokyo Electron Taiwan has been fined 150 million TWD in the first case involving a corporate entity under the National Security Act. The defendant, Chen Limin, is a former TSMC engineer who worked in the marketing department of the equipment supplier.

Taiwanese drone exports increased from 3,000 units in 2024 to 136,000 shipments within the first three months of 2026. Poland is identified as one of the primary importers of these technologies. Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that 267 companies are involved in drone system integration and key component manufacturing. Taiwan plans to strengthen cross-ministerial coordination and leverage the domestic market to drive the development of commercial and military drones. The goal is to promote mass production, technological maturity, and expand into international markets. The government plans to integrate policy and industrial resources to enhance competitiveness and establish Taiwan as the Asia-Pacific center for drone supply chains. Taiwan High Speed Rail's new train fleet is set to launch in the second half of 2027.

Prosecutors have filed charges against four individuals under the National Security Act for allegedly stealing core semiconductor technology. The suspects include Chen Li-min, engineers Wu Bing-jun and Guo Yi-ping, who allegedly stole 2nm process secrets, and Chen Wei-jie, accused of leaking secrets related to processes below 14nm. The case is being heard by the Intellectual Property and Commercial Court. The theft involves critical national core technologies. The stolen information involves critical 2-nanometer chip manufacturing processes and processes below 14 nanometers. The Taiwan Stock Exchange responded with a 1,107-point surge to 40,390. A commercial court in Taiwan issued sentences for four TSMC engineers and a female executive from Tokyo Electron in a trade secret leak case.

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wen stated that mainland China will not accept Taiwan's current political direction due to President Lai Ching-te's advocacy for Taiwan independence. Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen criticized President Lai for failing to visit African allies or transit the US, stating he only criticizes others without self-reflection. Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen stated in an interview that Xi Jinping's recent meeting was more successful than expected. Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen criticized the significance of her 14-second handshake with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent interview. The critique noted that Cheng's 14-second handshake with Xi does not equate to a Nobel Peace Prize, comparing the interaction to Donald Trump's longer handshake with Kim Jong Un.

Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu is scheduled to convene a third round of cross-party negotiations regarding the Defense Special Provisions Act draft. DPP Chief Whip Chuang Jui-hsiung stated the party would not participate in hearings with opposition parties, characterizing their involvement as futile. The debate focuses on maintaining national security and the dignity of active and retired military personnel. Additionally, the Democratic Progressive Party boycotted a legislative hearing today, stating they will not cooperate with the opposition. The debate includes discussions on how to logically address fraud alongside other crimes like drug trafficking, sexual assault, and robbery. Political parties proposing the changes are being urged to proceed with caution due to long-standing societal debates in Taiwan.

The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) appreciated by 1.08 jiao to a rate of 30.408 against the USD due to hot money inflows.

TSMC is expected to invest over $100 billion to relocate operations to the United States. Efforts will focus on increasing production scales and maturing technology to expand into international markets. The government aims to establish Taiwan as an Asia-Pacific center for the drone democracy supply chain. This initiative follows rising global demand for flight supply chains. New Taiwan High Speed Rail trains are also expected to enter service in the second half of 2027. The report was filed by journalist Chang Po-tsung in Taipei. This initiative includes leveraging domestic demand to drive industry growth. Reporter Chang Po-tsung reported from Taipei. This effort includes integrating policy and industrial resources to enhance overall competitiveness.