Dynamics of the Global Semiconductor War

The dynamics of the global semiconductor war are increasingly heating up along with increasing demand for sophisticated technology and geopolitical instability. Semiconductors, which are core components in electronic devices, have become the center of attention in countries such as the US, China and Taiwan. Competition in this industry is not only related to technological innovation, but also sustainable supply chain control. The US, as a global technology leader, faces a major challenge from China, which has ambitions to produce semiconductors independently. The Made in China 2025 program is one of the main drivers for the development of semiconductor technology in the country. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and increase domestic production capacity. On the other hand, US companies such as Intel and Qualcomm continue to strive to maintain their technological dominance with large investments in research and development. Taiwan, especially TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), plays a key role in this semiconductor war. TSMC is the largest semiconductor manufacturer and a leader in chip fabrication technology. In the midst of competition, TSMC continues to innovate and increase its production to meet increasing global demand. However, tensions between the US and China create risks to supply chain stability, as many companies rely on chips produced in Taiwan. Apart from technological and production factors, government policy also plays a major role in determining the direction of this semiconductor war. The US implemented various sanctions against Chinese companies, such as Huawei, to reduce the influence of Chinese technology. These sanctions have the potential to slow down the development of China’s semiconductor industry, but also cause a negative impact on the global industry as a whole. Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and electric vehicles are increasingly increasing demand for semiconductors. With this trend, countries are competing to create a strong semiconductor ecosystem. Investment in infrastructure, human resources and research is the main focus of every country in an effort to gain a competitive advantage. Industrial regulations and policies have also undergone significant changes. Countries are starting to adopt measures to develop more holistic strategies to support the semiconductor industry. For example, Europe is seeking to promote investment in semiconductor technology to reduce dependence on external suppliers. On the other hand, China is seeking to attract international talent to accelerate domestic innovation. The importance of international collaboration cannot be ignored either. Many large technology companies are adopting a partnership model to share knowledge and resources. This collaboration creates a scope for innovation that is faster and more responsive to market changes. As awareness of the importance of semiconductor technology increases, support from governments to facilitate this collaboration will become increasingly important. The semiconductor supply chain is an increasingly hot topic of discussion. The issue of breaking dependence on a single supplier is becoming a priority for many countries, triggering diversification in supply chains. Countries that have strategic raw materials, such as Malaysia and Vietnam, are important determinants in this effort. A consolidation trend in the semiconductor industry is also growing, with acquisitions and mergers among companies to strengthen competitiveness. This allows these companies to achieve economies of scale and better manage investment risks. In the future, there will likely be more vertical integration creating grandiose companies in the semiconductor sector. This semiconductor war reflects the importance of technology in everyday life, and whoever dominates this market will have strong economic and political power. Through strategic investment, continuous innovation, and policy support, each country competes to create a superior semiconductor ecosystem on the world stage.