Taiwan is a trusted partner for high-tech sector, president says in Hawaii | U.S. & World [Video]

By Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan’s partnership with the United States is a source of strength for the high-tech industry, including the semiconductor sector, and shows the island is a trusted and reliable partner, President Lai Ching-te told a think-tank in Hawaii.

Taiwan is a major producer of chips used in everything from cars to AI applications and is home to key Apple and Nvidia supplier TSMC.

But President-elect Donald Trump criticised Taiwan during the U.S. election campaign, accusing it of stealing business from American semiconductor companies. His threat of broad import tariffs could also affect an industry that is crucial to the island’s economy.

Addressing Hawaii’s East-West Center on Sunday, Lai said Taiwan actively contributes to the global supply chain, especially in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, according to a summary of his remarks released by the presidential office in Taiwan.

“The U.S.-Taiwan partnership not only strengthens these industries, but also demonstrates …