Taiwan

CNBC | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

China has strongly criticized the recent trade deal between Taiwan and the U.S., asserting that it will primarily benefit Washington while weakening Taiwan’s industrial base. The agreement reduces U.S. tariffs on Taiwan’s exports to 15%, with Taiwan committing $250 billion in investments to build and expand technology operations, including semiconductors and AI, within the U.S. Additionally, Taiwan will guarantee $250 billion in credit to its chip and tech firms to increase production capacity in the U.S., while Washington will lower levies on most Taiwanese goods and waive tariffs on certain products.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Peng Qingen, accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of allowing the U.S. to undermine the island’s industrial strength by urging Taiwanese companies like TSMC to increase investments in the U.S. at the expense of local industries. Beijing also reaffirmed its opposition to any agreements between Taiwan and countries diplomatic with China, emphasizing adherence to the “one-China principle” and accusing the U.S. of using Taiwan to contain China.

While U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated the aim is to bring 40% of Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain to the U.S., Taiwan's vice premier Cheng Li-chiun noted this goal depends on cooperation from U.S. and other international chip companies, not Taiwan alone. Taiwan remains a global leader in semiconductor production, with TSMC being the world's largest contract chipmaker, already pledging $165 billion for U.S. investments and planning additional fabrication plants. Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance and strategic importance have made its autonomy a priority for the U.S. and allies amidst increasing Chinese pressure on the island.

國科會投入低碳能源研究拚淨零 台積電表態可協助

Central News Agency | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Climate Change

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) held a committee meeting on January 21, 2026, to discuss advancements in low-carbon energy research as part of Taiwan's carbon reduction strategy. NSTC Chair Wu Cheng-wen announced that the NSTC is supporting academic R&D in various low-carbon energy technologies and unveiled the "Net-Zero Technology Innovation Program Plan." This program aims to promote composite technology topics, field-site technology validations, and encourage citizen participation to meet Taiwan’s overall carbon reduction goals.

TSMC Senior Vice President Ho Li-mei expressed the company’s willingness to partner with the government to accelerate net-zero technology research if government science and technology funding proves insufficient. Wu highlighted that the current year is the final one for the Net-Zero Technology Program, which will evolve into the Net-Zero Technology Innovation Program starting next year. The program addresses challenges posed by Taiwan's limited land, high population density, and energy self-sufficiency, especially given the high power demands of the tech sector and AI development.

Wu further detailed that the NSTC supports exploration of diverse low-carbon energy options, including new nuclear energy, stressing adherence to safety, nuclear waste management, and social consensus as outlined by President Lai Ching-te. Committee member Tong Tzu-hsien emphasized the importance of keeping new energy costs reasonable to avoid unfair burdens on the public, an approach the NSTC agrees with.

The updated program will strengthen composite technologies and use net-zero field validation parks to integrate technology validation, facility management, international cooperation, enterprise incubation, and talent cultivation. It also includes community energy promotion strategies to enhance energy resilience, particularly in isolated island areas, through distributed energy integration and management.

2026全球名家瞭望／穩定幣創新迷思與金融風險

United Daily News | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedFinancial System Problems

Cryptocurrencies remain controversial, divided between unsecured types like Bitcoin and Ether, which depend solely on public belief, and stablecoins, which are backed by real-world assets such as dollars or Treasury bills. Both face critical questions of viability and societal benefit, with the consensus that cryptocurrencies generally do not provide public benefits and contribute to issues like tax evasion, money laundering, illicit financing, and lack investor protections.

Stablecoins assert full backing by reserves and promise the efficiency of digital tokens with traditional money's stability. However, doubts persist about compliance with these claims, potential investments in riskier assets, and political tensions surrounding regulation, especially between the United States' light-touch approach and stricter rules elsewhere. Risks such as massive runs on stablecoins due to doubts about collateral or liquidity remain significant, and a shift of deposits from traditional banks to stablecoins raises concerns about the future of bank lending.

Despite these challenges, stablecoins meet a real demand for faster, cheaper, and programmable payment systems. Three competing digital currency models aim to serve this market: decentralized cryptocurrencies, privately issued corporate currencies, and state-guaranteed digital fiat currencies. The latter may be implemented through public-private partnerships or central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with key principles including inclusiveness, low cost, API openness for innovation, privacy protection, avoidance of disintermediation, and insured deposit status with holding limits.

Public oversight, prudential regulation, and accountability are crucial to ensure innovation strengthens economic fundamentals and prevents financial instability. Unsecured tokens and loosely regulated stablecoins must be curtailed before they integrate into the shadow banking system. The future of money should balance private innovation with public purpose, aiming for digital currencies that serve society rather than perpetuate risky speculation.