KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed marginally lower on Friday, as cautious sentiment persisted, with investors remaining on the sidelines amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 2.80 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 1,695.50 from Thursday’s close of 1,698.30. The benchmark index opened 5.82 points higher at 1,704.12, and moved between 1,693.65 and 1,708.12 throughout the day. However, market breadth remained positive, with gainers outnumbering losers 634 to 415, while 521 counters were unchanged, 1,077 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 3.38 billion units worth RM2.95 billion from yesterday’s 3.20 billion units worth RM3.50 billion.
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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