In fact, with tensions rising, semiconductors have emerged as a powerful bargaining tool. According to India Today, Taiwan – which accounted for 7% of the global semiconductor industry in 2023 – is looking into shifting its semiconductor manufacturing to India to "break China's stranglehold". Dubbed "democracy chips" by President Tsai Ing-wen, who said that "Taiwan is willing and able to strengthen cooperation with democratic partners in building sustainable supply chains" during a visit from Indiana governor Eric Holcomb in 2022, it's clear these tiny computers could play a huge role in global relations.

The history of Taiwan, and why China wants it back