China targets Taiwan's chip prowess to evade global 'containment'

China is targeting Taiwan to obtain its advanced chip manufacturing technology and talent as a way of breaking through international "containment" of the country, according to a report from the island's top security agency.



China's scramble for chip talent and expertise has intensified as Beijing pushes for self-reliance in advanced semiconductors, amid a deepening tech rivalry with the U.S.



Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, frequently reports busting networks of Chinese firms illegally trying to poach semiconductor and high-tech talent, and has strict laws to prevent the most advanced technologies going to China.



In a report to lawmakers, Taiwan's National Security Bureau said that China is attempting to "lure" Taiwan's high-tech industries, including AI and semiconductors, to establish or retain operations in China.



"It also continues to use indirect channels to poach Taiwanese talent, steal technology, and procure controlled goods, with the aim of obtaining key core technologies and products such as Taiwan's advanced-process chips, thereby breaking through international technological containment."