Based on the turbulent background of today's global semiconductor industry, TSMC founder Zhang Zhongmou made thought-provoking remarks at an event in New York: "The United States wants to slow down China with decoupling, but it will hurt everyone in the end."
During the event, he stressed the importance of collaboration for innovation, while expressing concern about the escalating disputes between countries.
Behind this point of view is the "decoupling" problem that the global semiconductor industry is facing, especially the United States' attempt to slow down the development of China's (mainland) semiconductor industry.
Zhang's warning is not just a personal opinion of a business leader, but also a reminder of the stability of the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Against this backdrop, we'll look back at TSMC's history as a giant in the semiconductor industry, explore their global manufacturing footprint, and their unique perspective on the current turmoil in the global semiconductor industry.
This topic is not only about the fate of an enterprise, but also about the direction of global scientific and technological innovation and the interdependence of the industrial chain of various countries.
TSMC's history and global presence
Entrepreneurship and development history: TSMC's founder, Zhang Zhongmou, founded TSMC in the early eighties of the last century, thus starting a remarkable journey in the semiconductor industry.
Its unique business model, which focuses on foundry manufacturing rather than in-house chip design, has made TSMC one of the world's largest independent semiconductor foundries. This model also enables TSMC to quickly adapt to changes in market demand and maintain its technological leadership.
Global Manufacturing Footprint: Although TSMC wants to keep the most cutting-edge technology in Taiwan, they have established multiple manufacturing plants around the world to better serve their global customers.
Last year, TSMC announced the construction of a second chip factory in Arizona, USA, showing the importance they attach to the American market. However, due to labor shortages and other reasons, the Arizona plant's mass production target may be affected somewhat.
Zhang Zhongmou's view: Zhang Zhongmou has always been cautious about setting up a factory in the United States, believing that manufacturing costs are high and there is a lack of relevant talent. Although he has reservations about investing in the United States, he has repeatedly stated that cooperation is the key to accelerating innovation in the semiconductor industry.
His warning of "decoupling" underscores his concerns about the stability of global industrial chains and the need for cooperation and interdependence.
Zhang Zhongmou talks about "decoupling"
A. U.S.-China "decoupling": When it comes to "decoupling," Zhang points out with concern that the U.S. is trying to slow down the development of China's semiconductor industry.
He stressed that although the short-term goal of the "decoupling" of US chips is to slow down China, such actions will eventually affect the global industrial chain and hurt all parties involved.
This view echoes the "Thucydides Trap" theory, which states that great power confrontation may have adverse consequences and have a profound impact on the development of the global semiconductor industry. Therefore, foreign media have reported that TSMC has finally "woken up".
B. The Necessity of Collaboration for Innovation: Zhang's point of view emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration for innovation in the semiconductor industry. While countries may have differences and complaints, it is only through cooperation that the pace of technological innovation can be accelerated.
His warning expressed concern about the current trend towards "decoupling" and reminded all parties to consider working together to promote the prosperity of the global semiconductor industry.
C. Thucydides Trap: The theory of the "Thucydides Trap" mentioned by Zhang Zhongmou emphasizes the negative outcomes that can result from great power confrontation. This theory stems from an observation of ancient Greek history and warns of potential risks between modern powers.
By citing this theory, Zhang identified the dangers of the current tensions between China and the United States, especially in the critical area of the semiconductor industry.
By analyzing the potential impact of the "decoupling" phenomenon on the global semiconductor industry, the need for cooperation and communication is highlighted. This is not only about the interests of individual enterprises, but also about the stability and prosperity of the entire global technology ecosystem.
A. Statements at the event: At the Asia Society event in New York, Joe Tsai, the leader of Alibaba Group's Board of Directors, who was present with Zhang, expressed a different perspective than Zhang.
At the event, Tsai emphasized the importance of communication in a complex world environment, especially between the U.S. and Chinese business communities. This contrasts sharply with Zhang's concerns, highlighting the positions of different business leaders when it comes to dealing with global industrial relations.
B. The Importance of Cooperation and Communication: Emphasizing the critical role of communication, Tsai believes that communication can enhance understanding, build mutual trust, and ultimately contribute to world peace in a complex world environment. This is in line with Zhang Zhongmou's call for cooperation and communication to solve the problems of the global industrial chain.
C. Outlook for the Global Economy: Tsai expressed the hope that China and the United States, the world's two largest economies, will not fall into a fierce conflict, and that most people will pursue peace and win-win results. This optimistic outlook sends a positive message that, despite the complexities of the situation, excessive tensions can be avoided if all parties are willing to cooperate and communicate.
By comparing the different statements of Zhang Zhongmou and Tsai Chongxin at the event, we can see the differences between business leaders in the face of global industrial chain issues. This also echoes the complexity behind the issue of "decoupling", showing that solving this problem requires the joint efforts of multiple parties, and that cooperation and communication are the key ways to resolve differences.
TSMC's position in the global semiconductor market
Global Semiconductor Market Performance: Looking back at TSMC's past performance, the semiconductor giant has maintained a leading position in the global market. Its focus on contract manufacturing allows it to flexibly adapt to market demands, providing high-end technology and manufacturing services to large customers including Apple and NVIDIA.
Attitudes towards the U.S. market: Zhang is cautious about investing in the U.S., citing high manufacturing costs and a lack of talent. However, in an interview in August, he expressed confidence in TSMC's solid business in the United States, especially in orders from major customers such as Apple and Nvidia.
This shows TSMC's key role in the global market and their close relationship with the U.S. market.
Response to U.S. policy: Zhang Zhongmou is not concerned about the U.S. government's crackdown on semiconductors, but believes that it will cause U.S. companies to lose business, and Chinese mainland will find a "way to fight back."
This response reflects the rational way business leaders view their business and the global market in a complex world.
The rise of the semiconductor industry in Chinese mainland
Nearly a decade of development: Over the past decade, Chinese mainland has been vigorously developing the semiconductor industry, investing huge sums of money and promoting technological innovation. In the process of this rise, Chinese mainland companies have gradually emerged and increased their share in the global semiconductor market.
Continued suppression of U.S. policies toward China: In the face of the rapid rise of Chinese mainland's semiconductor industry, the U.S. government has been taking a series of measures to suppress China, including tightening the ban on chips in China. This continuous policy orientation has triggered the readjustment of the global industrial chain, and has also become a microcosm of the current "decoupling" problem.
conclusion
Over the past decade, China has been vigorously developing the semiconductor industry, investing huge sums of money and promoting technological innovation. In the process of this rise, Chinese companies have gradually emerged and increased their share of the global semiconductor market.
In the face of the rapid rise of Chinese mainland's semiconductor industry, the US government has been taking a series of measures to suppress China, including tightening the ban on Chinese chips. This continuous policy orientation has triggered the readjustment of the global industrial chain, and has also become a microcosm of the current "decoupling" problem.
Through the analysis of the rise of China's semiconductor industry, we can see the impact of this development on the global industrial chain pattern. At the same time, it also provides more opportunities and challenges for China's rise in the global stage of scientific and technological innovation.