KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended little changed on Friday, as investors remained cautious amid renewed pressure on global bond yields and geopolitical tensions, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.23 points to 1,736.48 compared with Thursday’s close of 1,736.71. The benchmark index opened 0.63 of a point lower at 1,736.08, and fluctuated between 1,733.13 and 1,738.30 throughout the day. On the broader market, losers outpaced gainers 637 to 578, while 571 counters were unchanged, 1,086 untraded and 47 suspended. Turnover decreased to 3.91 billion units valued at RM3.32 billion from 4.28 billion units valued at RM4.01 billion on Thursday.
China-Taiwan Tensions Escalate Over Semiconductor Industry
- China claims Taiwan is giving away its semiconductor industry to the U.S. in exchange for political support.
- Reports suggest Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is in talks for a stake in Intel, though neither company has confirmed this.
- Taiwan’s government denies knowledge of any overseas investment application from TSMC.
U.S. and Taiwan's Semiconductor Dispute
- President Donald Trump has criticized Taiwan for taking U.S. semiconductor business and has pushed for more domestic chip production.
- China's Taiwan Affairs Office accused Taiwan's ruling party (DPP) of 'selling out' TSMC to gain favor with the U.S.
- Beijing claims Taiwan is using its chip industry as leverage for political independence.
Taiwan Responds to China's Allegations
- Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council reaffirmed TSMC’s importance and vowed to collaborate with the industry to maintain leadership in advanced technology.
- TSMC has not responded to the accusations.
Key Takeaways
- China views Taiwan's potential semiconductor collaborations with the U.S. as a threat.
- Taiwan denies that TSMC is being ‘given away’ and says it will protect its semiconductor dominance.
- The U.S. remains Taiwan’s key international ally, adding geopolitical complexity to the semiconductor industry.
Summary:
- China accuses Taiwan of using its chip industry as a bargaining tool for U.S. political support.
- TSMC reportedly in talks with Intel, though unconfirmed by both companies.
- Taiwan refutes the allegations and commits to maintaining its semiconductor leadership.
- The U.S.-Taiwan semiconductor relationship remains a major geopolitical flashpoint.
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