China claims Taiwan is giving away semiconductor industry to US
What's the story
China has accused Taiwan of planning to hand over its semiconductor industry to the US.
The accusations were leveled by Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office.
She implied that the move was part of a strategy by Taiwan to gain political support from Washington.
However, no solid evidence has been presented to back these allegations.
Stake negotiations
TSMC's potential stake in Intel sparks controversy
The controversy was further fueled by reports of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, negotiating a stake with Intel.
TSMC is a key supplier for tech giants like Apple and NVIDIA.
However, both TSMC and Intel have not confirmed these discussions.
Taiwan's government has also said that it has not received any information about an overseas investment application from TSMC.
Accusations
China's spokesperson criticizes Taiwan's alleged 'sell out'
Fenglian also slammed Taiwan's government for selling out to the US.
She said, "In order to seek selfish gain, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have freely made demands from external forces."
Zhu accused them of using Taiwan's semiconductor industry and powerful companies to depend on foreign countries for independence.
She further claimed this act of selling out was actually pandering to the US.
International ties
US-Taiwan relations under scrutiny amid semiconductor controversy
Despite not officially recognizing the island's government, the US remains Taiwan's biggest international supporter and arms supplier.
This relationship has been questioned in the backdrop of the ongoing semiconductor row.
Fenglian raised fears that TSMC could become "United States Semiconductor Manufacturing Co," without offering any proof of the same.
Neither Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council nor TSMC has responded to these allegations yet.