TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s semiconductor and manufacturing capabilities are essential to the US-led Pax Silica initiative, Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research scholar Yang Ming-min (楊明敏) said Monday.
Yang, speaking on the sidelines of a Global Taiwan Institute seminar, said Pax Silica offers a rare opportunity for cooperation, per CNA. He said Taiwan can contribute advanced manufacturing expertise, workforce training, and experience in reducing risks in AI supply chains.
The US began promoting Pax Silica last year to strengthen economic and technology ties among countries seeking to reduce reliance on China. More than 20 countries have joined the initiative, while Panama and the Philippines have also launched measures to attract AI-related trade and high-tech investment.
A key global chip hub, Taiwan supports the initiative as a non-signatory participant through the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. Taipei endorsed Pax Silica’s principles through a joint statement in January.
Yang said the country faces challenges in supplying high-tech workers because of its declining birthrate and labor shortages. He said international cooperation will be necessary, adding that neither side can rely entirely on its own workforce.
The country also plays an important role in AI infrastructure through its server and manufacturing industries, Yang said. However, he noted that building data centers requires more than servers, with areas such as power infrastructure needing further development.