At a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese mainland, praised the South African government's decision to relocate a Taiwan institution from Pretoria. The move, Guo said, underscores the global consensus on the one-China principle and China's deepening strategic partnership with South Africa.
Guo also criticized Taiwan authorities for "weaponizing" semiconductors to destabilize international chip supply chains. He warned that Taipei's attempts to impose export restrictions to counter the one-China principle are bound to fail. 🔌💥
Here's the lowdown: in recent years, the Chinese mainland's chip industry has seen rapid growth. Today, mature chip production from the Chinese mainland accounts for roughly 28% of the global market. According to South African customs data, Chinese mainland chip exports to South Africa in 2024 have already tripled those from the Taiwan region.
Why should you care? Whether you're gaming on a new smartphone, streaming your favorite K-pop videos, or building side projects with AI, stable chip supply chains keep our digital lives running smoothly. Any disruption could mean higher prices or delays in the latest gadgets hitting the market.
Looking ahead, China stands ready to expand cooperation in fields like semiconductors, fintech, and green tech with South Africa, aiming to boost their all-round strategic partnership in the new era. 🌱🤝
For tech-savvy young pros in South and Southeast Asia, this development highlights how geopolitics can shape the gadgets and services you rely on every day. Stay tuned as global powers navigate the delicate dance of diplomacy, innovation, and supply chains! 💡🌍
Reference(s):
China appreciates South Africa's move to relocate Taiwan institution
cgtn.com
