The article examines how the expansion of TSMC into Kumamoto is strengthening economic security and supply-chain cooperation between Japan and Taiwan. It focuses on the relationship between investment trends in Japan and Taiwan and the Takaichi administration's economic security policy, and considers future developments.
Li Shih-hui (李世暉) of Taiwan noted that Taiwan is Japan's strongest potential partner as Japan rebuilds its position in global supply chains, and that Japan-Taiwan economic security is closely tied to mutual interests. While investment in Japan by Taiwan's leading high-tech companies is advancing, he said that expanded investment by Japanese companies in Taiwan could also benefit Taiwan's security.
Speaking at the Wealth Magazine Forum on "Sanaenomics and Its Spillover Effects," Li said that the Japan-Taiwan supply chains are complementary and that cooperation plays a greater role than competition, even compared with relations between Japan and South Korea. He said expectations are rising for investment in Japan by Taiwan's leading high-tech companies, particularly in Kyushu.
Against the backdrop of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's (高市早苗) visit to Taiwan in April 2025 and meetings with President Lai Ching-te (頼清徳) and others, he positioned maintaining and strengthening supply-chain resilience as the core of Japan-Taiwan cooperation. He said cooperation should also be advanced in semiconductors, AI, quantum technology and dual-use fields, as well as drones and new energy technologies.
CEO Yaita Akio (矢板明夫) said that Japan and Taiwan have highly complementary economies and that Japan should welcome investment by Taiwanese companies. Citing TSMC's expansion into Kumamoto and its spillover effects on surrounding areas, he said Japan's cooperative stance would also benefit Taiwan.