Taiwan Weighs Chip Export Controls as Diplomatic Leverage Amid South Africa Tensions

Taiwan is reassessing the use of semiconductor export controls as a diplomatic tool, signaling potential retaliation against nations that undermine its interests. "We hope not to have to use these measures, but if our counterparts harm our interests, we will need to respond," said Lin, a Taiwanese official, without specifying target countries. The ambiguity follows a 2023 clash with South Africa, where Taiwan briefly imposed—then lifted—export restrictions after accusing Pretoria of downgrading its diplomatic status.

The dispute centers on South Africa's demand to relocate Taiwan's Liaison Office from the capital to Johannesburg, coinciding with a BRICS summit. While Taiwan insists it "doesn’t want to weaponize semiconductors," the episode reveals internal divisions over leveraging its tech dominance for geopolitical ends. Semiconductors remain Taiwan's most strategic asset, accounting for over 60% of global foundry revenue.