Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Monday that “the guardian mountain is in Taiwan, and Taiwan is the mountain—no one can move it,” in response to concerns that Taiwan’s semiconductor stronghold could be relocated overseas.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) recently told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) that Taiwan’s commitments to invest in the United States involve not only Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) but also “the broader ecosystem.” Her remarks sparked debate among industry watchers who fear that excessive overseas investment could weaken the semiconductor supply chain and accelerate the outflow of talent—a scenario critics have dubbed “moving the guardian mountain abroad.”
Speaking to reporters before a legislative session, Cho said the rapid development of artificial intelligence has created a global demand that includes the U.S. government. He emphasized that Taiwan’s tech industry will respond through an autonomous, globally integrated strategy—what he described as the core principle of the “Taiwan model” in Taipei–Washington negotiations.

Cho said that beyond private-sector initiatives, the government will provide financial support and seek cooperation with the U.S. in developing industrial parks, adding that Washington has pledged related assistance.

As for the ongoing Taiwan–U.S. reciprocal tariff talks, Cho said negotiations are progressing positively. He dismissed speculation that zero tariffs on U.S.-standard vehicles could be a bargaining chip, reiterating that all discussions must safeguard Taiwan’s industrial interests and prioritize citizens’ health and food security.