Taiwan’s Strategic Role in US-China Geopolitical and Technological Rivalry

Taiwan's' emergence as a technological hub rooted in its dominance of the semiconductor industry has placed it at the heart of the US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region. This research examines the impact of Taiwan's leadership in semiconductor production on the geopolitical rivalry between the two major powers. Utilizing the Neo-realist framework, the paper underscores the importance of Taiwan's centrality in defining the future of technological governance and strategic stability in the region. The research is guided by a qualitative research methodology using policy analysis and expert commentary. Findings suggest that as the US and China strive to establish control over chip production and acquire self-reliance, Taiwan's semiconductor industry will act both as a vulnerability and a silicon shield, indicating that its future security will be linked to the global balance of power.