After attending a conference co-organized by the Bureau Français de Taipei, I left with the feeling that I had witnessed something much larger than a discussion about technology. The topic was semiconductors, but what stayed with me was how deeply they are tied to power, democracy, and the way the world now functions.
The conference, Being a Nano Giant: Taiwan and the Geopolitics of Semiconductors, took place at Taiwan Tech Arena on October 27. At first glance, it sounded technical. But as the speakers began, it became clear that this was really a conversation about who shapes the future, and how.
The Silicon Shield
Professor Chua-Chin Wang explained that artificial intelligence depends on three elements: algorithms, data, and computing platforms. All of them rely on semiconductors. What makes Taiwan unique is its ability to produce almost every part of this chain. Despite challenges like limited electricity and technical constraints, Taiwan remains central to the global technology ecosystem. Its strength does not come from size or political power, but from consistency, precision, and long-term expertise.
What struck me was how often the discussion moved beyond economics. Dr. Jeremy Chih-Cheng Chang spoke about the idea of the Silicon Shield. This concept describes how Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has become a form of protection, giving the island strategic importance on the global stage. At the same time, it also creates pressure. Competition, resource shortages, and geopolitical tension all converge on the same technology that keeps Taiwan indispensable.
Listening to this, I realized that technology is not neutral. Chips are not just components inside devices. They shape alliances, dependencies, and even security. Dr. Chang’s idea of a future Silicon Shield based on cooperation rather than isolation felt especially relevant in a world that often treats technology as something to compete over, rather than something to share responsibly.
The Forces we Don’t See
The European perspective added another layer. Dr. Mathieu Duchâtel described how Europe and Taiwan are becoming increasingly connected through research, industry, and talent exchange. This relationship is not about dominance, but about balance. It shows that democracies can respond to global pressure by working together instead of turning inward. Being present at this conference changed the way I think about power.
I used to associate it with governments, armies, or borders. Now I understand that it also lives in supply chains,
factories, and shared technological standards. Taiwan’s role in the semiconductor world is not only an industrial success. It is a reminder that democracy today depends on cooperation, trust, and the quiet infrastructure that supports modern life.
Leaving the event, I felt that understanding these systems is no longer optional. For our generation especially, knowing how technology shapes politics is part of being an informed citizen. Sometimes, the most important forces in the world are the ones we never see.
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