Fact Check: "Taiwan has blacklisted Huawei Technologies Co. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. by including them in its strategic high-tech commodities entity list as of October 2023."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Taiwan has indeed added Huawei Technologies Co. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) to its export control list, specifically under the category of "strategic high-tech commodities" as of October 2023. This move requires Taiwanese companies to obtain export permits before selling goods to these companies, aligning Taiwan's policies with similar restrictions imposed by the United States on these Chinese firms (Reuters, AP News).
The inclusion of these companies in the export control list is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to safeguard its technological assets and maintain its competitive edge in the semiconductor industry, which is critical for both national security and economic stability (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Taiwan has blacklisted Huawei and SMIC is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Reuters report confirms that Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs announced the inclusion of these companies in the export control list, which is a significant regulatory step. Similarly, the AP News article elaborates on the implications of this decision, highlighting the requirement for export permits, which indicates a formalized approach to controlling technology transfers to these entities.
Both sources are reputable and provide timely information regarding Taiwan's export control policies. However, it is essential to consider the context of these actions. Taiwan's decision appears to be influenced by geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing rivalry between the U.S. and China, and reflects Taiwan's alignment with U.S. policies aimed at limiting China's access to advanced technologies (BBC).
While the reports are consistent, the framing of "blacklisting" may carry connotations that imply a more aggressive stance than what the regulatory changes entail. The term "export control" is more accurate in describing the nature of Taiwan's actions, which are regulatory rather than punitive.
Conclusion
Needs Research. While the claim that Taiwan has included Huawei and SMIC in its strategic high-tech commodities entity list is supported by credible sources, further investigation is warranted to understand the broader implications of this decision. The term "blacklisting" may oversimplify the regulatory nature of the action, and additional context regarding Taiwan's strategic objectives and the international response would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
