[victorbstan]

I think ideology plays less of a role than is assumed. I would posture “resources” or access to resources as the definitive driver no matter if the rhetoric is ideological or religious, etc. Taiwan manufactures a lot of electronics that China does not. It has know-how and capital (means of production) of things that are important to China, China cannot manufacture, and USA, Chinas rival, has access to —- and also relies on. It is the queen on the geopolitical chessboard. But it is that because of its “resources”.

[nirav72]

> It has know-how and capital (means of production) of things that are important to China

It has the capital. Not the Know-how or expertise. If it did, it wouldn't be stuck manufacturing lower end semi-conductors. In a hypothetical scenario - where China does manage to successfully invade the island, they won't be able to keep the foundries running for long. Because most of the design, IP, machinery and chemicals used in the process are supplied by the U.S and it's allies.

[jacquesm]

I would not expect those foundries to live for 30 seconds past the point where Chinese boots land on Taiwanese soil.

[nirav72]

Yeah, it's entirely possible the U.S and Taiwan have plans in place to initiate a process to cripple the foundries if an invasion is imminent or underway.

[arroz]

Stuck manufacturing low end semiconductors? Taiwan? Low end? What?

[nirav72]

Might want to read the above comment again. :)