Sean Chen Urges Taiwan to Leverage AI and Semiconductor Value Chain to Join Middle-Power Coalition

Former Taiwan Premier Sean Chen said the island should not merely absorb negotiating pressure as rivalry among major powers intensifies. It should leverage its complete semiconductor value chain and AI potential to demonstrate its tangible value to the global economy and technology security. Chen also urged Taiwan to draw on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposed model of solidarity among middle powers to expand its strategic leverage internationally.

Speaking recently ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China, Chen warned that Taiwan must reassess its position on the spectrum of resilience to global pressure and avoid being seen by major powers as an easy target. He advocated building a coalition of middle powers with similar values and interests, using semiconductor supply chains and AI capabilities to create interdependence. The reports provided no exact date for Trump’s China visit, investment or cooperation amount, or quantitative target.