Apple-Supplier TSMC agrees to join Taiwan in enforcing sanctions against Russia after Ukraine invasion

On Friday, the government said Taiwan would join “democratic countries” to impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, with the world’s largest contract chipmaker TMSC adding that they will comply with all export control rules.

The crisis is being closely watched in Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory and has faced increased military pressure from Beijing over the past two years.

Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang told reporters in Taipei: “We strongly condemn such acts of aggression and will jointly impose sanctions with democratic countries.”

Taiwan’s Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said the island would “carefully review” exports to Russia and “coordinate” with unspecified allies on further actions. She did not elaborate further.

In a statement, the State Department said the island, key to the global semiconductor supply chain, would “work closely with the United States and other like-minded countries to adopt appropriate measures.” to liberate Ukraine from the horrors of war.”

When asked about sanctions, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd (TSMC)A major Apple supplier and Asia’s most valuable listed company, said it would follow export control rules.

“TSMC complies with all applicable laws and regulations and is fully committed to complying with the newly published export control rules,” it said in a statement.

“The company also has a rigorous export control system in place, including a robust review and evaluation process to ensure export control restrictions are complied with.”

Russia is not a big market for Taiwanese goods. Taiwan’s trade with Ukraine and Russia each accounts for less than 1% of total turnover, government data shows.

The island’s natural gas contract with Russia will expire in March and Taiwan will diversify its supply, the economy ministry said on Thursday, the economy ministry said.

Su vowed to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and safety and said a number of “foreign forces” were working to link Taiwan’s situation to the situation in Ukraine, in what Taipei views as a campaign of “cognitive warfare” and disinformation.

Taiwan’s government says the island and Ukraine are fundamentally different in terms of geostrategic and geographical environments as well as importance in international supply chains.