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All about Taiwan: What to know about the world’s epicenter for chips

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All about Taiwan: What to know about the world’s epicenter for chips

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As the U.S. and China aggressively compete for economic dominance, the island of Taiwan has moved into the political spotlight.

Modern-day Taiwan came to be after the Chinese Communist Party defeated the nationalist Kuomintang party during China’s decades-long civil war, which began in the late 1920s. Led by national government chairman Chiang Kai-shek, the remaining nationalist forces fled to Taiwan after the Communists’ victory in 1949.

China considers Taiwan to be its rightful territory and has vowed to take control of the island. But Taiwan, which has its own democratic system and constitution, sees itself as its own country.

The island is key to understanding Arizona’s budding semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Where is Taiwan? 

Taiwan is located in the western Pacific Ocean, between the Philippines and Japan. It’s about 100 miles off the southeast coast of China, roughly the distance between Phoenix and Tucson.

How big is Taiwan? 

Taiwan is around 250 miles long and 90 miles wide. It is about twice the size of New Jersey.

What is Taiwan known for? 

In American politics, Taiwan is best known as an important territory in the growing tensions between the U.S. and China.

The Taiwan Strait, separating China from Taiwan, is a heavily trafficked maritime trade route. The island also produces the lion’s share of the world’s semiconductors — the tiny neurons inside most electronics.

Taiwan is seen as vulnerable to an invasion from China. Strategists disagree on if and when China might make that move. But most believe that Taiwan is likely to be the first front if conflict between the U.S. and China turns hot. 

What is the geopolitical situation with China now? 

The U.S. for decades pursued a policy of “strategic ambiguity” with Taiwan. That meant American leaders kept it unclear whether, or how, exactly, America would defend Taiwan militarily.

President Joe Biden has broken with that tradition, repeatedly stating that the U.S. would defend Taiwan, although aides have walked back his public assertions.

Why would China invade Taiwan? 

Chinese leaders say they have a legitimate historical claim to the island. Beijing has said its desire is for “peaceful reunification” but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of military intervention.

Taiwan is also an economic asset. It is a strategic location for maritime trade, and the island’s semiconductor manufacturing has made it a linchpin of the global economy. 

Western powers like the U.S., which compete with China for influence on the world stage, currently depend on Taiwan for semiconductors.

Is Taiwan a democracy? 

Taiwan has a democratically elected government. Like the U.S., it has a legislature, a president and an independent judiciary. It has two dominant political parties.

What languages are spoken in Taiwan? 

Mandarin, a form of Chinese, is the most common language in Taiwan. 

Local languages, including Taiwanese Hokkien, or Taigi, have become more popular amid growing resentment toward mainland China, the Wall Street Journal reported.

What food is Taiwan known for?

Beef noodle soup is one of the most famous dishes in Taiwanese cuisine.

Bubble tea, now popular in the U.S., originated in Taiwan.

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