Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

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.

Taiwanese regulators have increased the single-stock ownership limit for institutional investors from 10% to 25%. This policy change aims to address previous restrictions that prevented large-scale investment in major companies. The relaxation follows a period where high concentration in stocks like TSMC led investors toward passive ETFs. The move has contributed to recent market gains in major holdings. Investors previously used passive ETFs to bypass these ownership limits. The new rule allows for more direct acquisition of individual stocks. The previous regulation was intended to prevent excessive concentration of power and protect minority shareholders. Under the new rules, investors can hold larger stakes in individual companies.

TSMC shares rose by 140 TWD following a previous increase of over 100 TWD on Friday. TSMC stock prices increased by 140 units following recent market movements. The Taiwan Weighted Index rose by 1,048.394 points, representing a 2.59% increase. The weighted index in Taipei rose 612 points to reach 41,382, representing a 1.48% increase.

A political commentator expressed optimism regarding the cooperation mechanism between the Blue and White political factions in Taiwan. Political figures in Taiwan are focusing on the 2026 elections as a critical performance indicator for future viability in 2028. Kaohsiung and southern regions are cited as areas where public opinion is being monitored. Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is reportedly increasing her presence across Taiwan to demonstrate leadership ahead of the vote. Success in 2026 is viewed as a key KPI for political longevity. Mayor Lu Shi-ying has begun traveling across the country to demonstrate leadership ahead of these upcoming elections. The Kuomintang (KMT) aims to stabilize its seat count in the upcoming year-end elections. The party believes its current political direction is correct based on a 60 percent public opinion foundation from the 2024 elections.

The Blue and White political camps in Taiwan are exploring cooperation for upcoming local elections. Recent polling data shows a tight race between Kuomintang candidate Li Si-wan and Democratic Progressive Party candidate Su Chiao-hui. Both candidates are currently in a dead heat, presenting a tug-of-war dynamic in the local elections. Political teams are expected to engage in coordination and exchange opinions to find a resolution. The outcome will depend on the internal coordination mechanisms between the various political blocs. President Lai Ching-te's attempts to control the selection process have resulted in delays and complications in finalizing local candidates. The Democratic Progressive Party is experiencing difficulties in nominating candidates for various electoral districts under President Lai Ching-te.

Three former Kuomintang county magistrate candidates have expressed intentions to run for legislative seats.