Weekly Roundup: Key Developments in Tech, Politics, and Global Affairs in Taiwan - September 27, 2024
Technology
TSMC and Samsung are reportedly in talks with the United Arab Emirates about the possibility of building local wafer fabs
The Wall Street Journal reported that TSMC and Samsung are in talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about building local wafer fabs to establish a local semiconductor industry to support artificial intelligence growth. TSMC executives have visited the UAE to discuss the possibility of building large-scale wafer fabs similar to those in Taiwan. Mubadala, the UAE's sovereign wealth fund, may be a key investor in this project.
The project could face technical and political challenges, including the need for large amounts of purified water and skilled labor. The U.S. government is monitoring the situation closely due to concerns that AI chips produced in the Middle East could end up in countries like China, leading to political sensitivities.
Source: UDN News
https://tech.udn.com/tech/story/123153/8246267
The National Health Insurance Administration introduces AI to predict diabetes risk, with Li Guangshen leading the adoption of AI-assisted medical care
Recently, the National Health Insurance Administration has partnered with Google MedLM to promote an AI model for predicting diabetes risks, which will also be expanded to manage other chronic diseases. A generative AI model is trained and tested on the Vertex AI platform to predict complications in Type 2 diabetes patients years in advance.
Taiwan faces slower AI development in healthcare due to regulatory barriers and a lack of interdisciplinary talent. Li Guangshen established the Taiwan Biomedical AI Research and Development Association to promote AI in biomedical research.
Source: Yahoo Taiwan
New Taipei's Smart Sewer Maintenance and Operations Recognized with the Golden Map Award, Presented at the Municipal Meeting
New Taipei City Water Resources Bureau received the "Best Application System Award" at the 20th Golden Map Awards for its smart sewer operations system. The bureau implemented the "New Taipei City Rainwater and Wastewater Sewer GIS Smart Operations 2.0," introducing a new web framework that enhances functionality, security, and scalability.
The bureau uses 3D GIS mapping, real-time inspection apps, and Mixed Reality (MR) technology for more intuitive and efficient sewer management. The new inspection app system helps reduce carbon emissions by 50,000 tons annually by replacing paper records.
Source: Yahoo Taiwan
Politics
Society-wide Defense Resilience Committee: Energy resilience did not discuss nuclear power plant extensions; this issue became the focus of most discussions
The first meeting of the "Society-wide Defense Resilience Committee" concentrated on critical infrastructure protection, with most discussions centered on interdependencies and vulnerabilities. Renewable energy, including onshore/offshore wind and solar, is part of the resilience strategy. The power grid will be decentralized to enhance stability and reduce concentration.
Concerns were raised about how Taiwan would maintain energy resilience if China were to target offshore wind farms or undersea cables during military conflict. The extension of nuclear power plants was not discussed. Experts emphasized that attacks on critical infrastructure could begin with cyberattacks, not just physical assaults, and that the most extreme scenarios should be used for cybersecurity preparedness.
Source: Storm News
https://www.storm.mg/article/5244943
If Taiwan and the U.S. jointly produce weapons, scholars say it would be a win-win situation
Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Yen-Pu stated at the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference on the 23rd that the U.S. will deliver delayed arms to Taiwan according to the agreed schedule. Taiwan is pushing to join the U.S. defense industry supply chain, and this has been included in discussions, with scholars emphasizing the increased feasibility due to stronger mutual trust between Taiwan and the U.S.
Taiwan and the U.S. are working on joint weapons production. Taiwan’s manufacturing capabilities complement the U.S.’s capacity shortages, making this initiative a win-win situation. The U.S. Department of Commerce arranged for 26 drone manufacturers to discuss joint production with Taiwan, aimed at strengthening defense resilience and boosting production.
Source: LTN News
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/paper/1668711
Taiwan-Japan-Korea Official Alliance? Scholar: A Civilian Alliance Is More Likely
Scholars and experts believe that the likelihood of an official Taiwan-Japan-Korea alliance is low due to the lack of diplomatic ties and concerns about offending China. Civilian and NGO-level exchanges are seen as a more practical way to enhance collaboration between Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.
Experts suggest that the Taiwanese government should actively communicate with society and propose strategies to address Taiwan's security in light of rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Forming an official alliance would face challenges due to the complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding China’s influence over Japan and Korea.
Source: UDN News
https://udn.com/news/story/6656/8253647?from=udn-catelistnews_ch2
International
European Values Summit: China's Legal Warfare Against Taiwan Becomes the Focus
The summit in the Czech Republic focused on China's "Anti-Secession Law" and its legal warfare against Taiwan, and how this threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait. China, like Russia, uses legal warfare to justify its claims, including misinterpreting UN Resolution 2758 to marginalize Taiwan’s international participation.
Taiwanese experts and lawmakers shared how China's legal narratives, including the "Anti-Secession Law," aim to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, with increased threats toward Taiwan. Delegates emphasized that Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo, but China’s laws reveal that it seeks to end it, making China the clear threat to regional peace.
Source: Storm News
https://www.storm.mg/article/5244940
Taiwan Lifts Import Restrictions on Food from Five Fukushima Prefectures, Japanese Government Welcomes the Decision
The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it is fully lifting import restrictions on food from five Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima. Previously banned items like wild game meat, mushrooms, and komatsuna can now be imported under stricter inspections, while items banned in Japan remain restricted.
Despite political difficulties, including the ruling party's minority status in Taiwan's legislature, the decision to lift the restrictions was implemented. Specific food items, such as tea from Shizuoka, no longer require radiation inspection certificates for import into Taiwan.
Source: LTN News
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/4811124
Typhoon Yanzi May Form This Weekend, Wu Shengyu Reveals Key Factors for Its Approach to Taiwan
Signs of a tropical system developing are gradually appearing in the southern seas of the Ryukyu Islands. Taiwan is expected to experience the most significant effects from the typhoon's outer circulation between Monday and Wednesday next week, with increased and prolonged rainfall. The exact trajectory and proximity of the system to Taiwan remain uncertain. Forecasts will become clearer as the system develops over the next two days.
Source: UDN News
https://udn.com/news/story/7266/8251884
Taiwan’s Weather Update
This Week’s Recap
Monday (Sept 23): Warm and mostly sunny across Taiwan, with some isolated thunderstorms in the south.
Tuesday (Sept 24): Similar conditions with warm temperatures, partly cloudy skies, and afternoon thunderstorms in central and southern Taiwan.
Wednesday (Sept 25): Increasing cloud cover in eastern Taiwan, with scattered showers as a tropical disturbance started to influence the region.
Thursday (Sept 26): Rain became more widespread in eastern and northern Taiwan, with occasional showers in central areas.
Friday (Sept 27): Continued rain, particularly in the east and northeast due to the tropical disturbance. Central and southern Taiwan saw cloudy skies with isolated rain.
Saturday (Sept 28): The tropical system neared Taiwan, bringing more consistent rain to the eastern and northern regions.
Sunday (Sept 29): Likely to see ongoing rain in the eastern parts, with showers extending to other regions as the tropical system approaches.
Next Week’s Forecast
Monday (Sept 30): Heavy rain expected in eastern and northern Taiwan due to the effects of the tropical system. Rain and gusty winds are likely in these regions.
Tuesday (Oct 1): Rain persists, particularly in the northeast and east. Central Taiwan may experience lighter showers.
Wednesday (Oct 2): The tropical system begins to move away, but lingering rain is expected in northern and northeastern Taiwan.
Thursday (Oct 3): Gradual clearing as the system moves northeastward. Some showers are still possible, mainly in the northern areas.
Friday (Oct 4): Cooler, drier weather as northeasterly winds bring in autumn-like conditions. Scattered rain in northern Taiwan.
Saturday (Oct 5): Continued cool and breezy weather, with scattered showers in northern and northeastern Taiwan.
Sunday (Oct 6): Fair weather across much of Taiwan, with cooler temperatures and a chance of light rain in northern areas due to monsoon winds.