Reported Chinese Espionage Campaign Targets TSMC Semiconductor Technology

Chinese government actors have reportedly attempted to steal proprietary semiconductor manufacturing technology from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, according to a Reuters report citing U.S. intelligence assessments. TSMC produces advanced chips for Apple, NVIDIA, and other major technology companies. The reported espionage threats add to existing concerns about supply chain security for critical semiconductor production. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook previously attended a classified CIA briefing on Taiwan, after which he stated he slept "with one eye open" regarding geopolitical risks to the company's chip supply. The new reported threats suggest continued targeting of Taiwan's semiconductor industry by foreign intelligence services. Taiwan produces approximately 90 percent of the world's most advanced semiconductors, making TSMC's security a matter of strategic importance to both commercial customers and national security officials in multiple countries.