Taiwan Takes Strong Step Against Huawei, Backing US

Intermediate | June 25, 2025

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Taiwan’s New Export Controls

Taiwan Huawei Blacklist Adds Pressure to China

In a significant move this June, Taiwan decided to add China’s tech giant, Huawei, and its main chip supplier, SMIC, to a special list.. Officials have called it the export control list or entity list. Taiwan’s government now enforces a rule: companies must apply for special permission, or a license, before they can sell certain high-tech products or equipment to Huawei and SMIC. Taiwan placed Huawei and SMIC on the export control list, which triggered this licensing requirement. By doing so, Taiwan clearly aligns itself with the United States’ efforts to limit China’s access to advanced technology. This marks a firm move in the ongoing Taiwan Huawei blacklist effort that mirrors U.S. strategy. with efforts by the United States to limit China’s access to advanced technology.

Support for the U.S. Strategy

For years, the U.S. government has raised concerns about Huawei. Officials have pointed to national security risks and the potential for unwanted technology transfer. They have restricted Huawei from getting American technology. Taiwan’s decision is a strong signal that it supports this international campaign to control the flow of advanced technology to certain Chinese firms. U.S. and Taiwanese efforts now target critical areas like semiconductors. These components power everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence.

Why This Matters

Taiwan Huawei Blacklist Expands Scope of Restrictions

In mid-June, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs revised its export control list and directly added over 600 entities from countries around the world, including China. Officials also targeted Huawei and SMIC’s smaller companies—called subsidiaries—that operate globally. This shows a comprehensive approach to make it harder for these companies to operate globally without facing restrictions.

Impact on China’s Tech Ambitions

Putting Huawei and SMIC on this list makes it much more difficult for them to get the advanced chips, materials, and equipment they need from Taiwan. Several of the world’s most important semiconductor companies, including TSMC, operate out of Taiwan. Limiting access to Taiwan’s advanced technology could potentially slow down China’s progress in developing cutting-edge areas like AI chips.

Political and Economic Implications

This action by Taiwan is a big deal in the ongoing tech competition between the U.S. and China. It highlights the difficult position countries like Taiwan are in, balancing their economic connections with China and security worries. While some Taiwanese companies might not see a huge immediate impact because they had already reduced business with Huawei due to previous U.S. actions, the move escalates the situation politically and economically.

Vocabulary

Blacklist (noun/verb): A list of people, organizations, or countries that authorities label as unacceptable or untrustworthy. Governments or companies avoid or punish them. To blacklist someone means to actively add them to this list.
- Example: “The government decided to blacklist several foreign companies.”
Entity List (noun): A specific type of blacklist used by governments (like the U.S. or Taiwan) to restrict exports to certain foreign persons, organizations, or governments.
- Example: “Governments that add a company to the Entity List make it difficult for that company to buy technology.”
Export Control (noun): Government regulations that limit the export of certain goods, technology, or information to foreign countries or individuals, often for national security or foreign policy reasons.
- Example: “New export controls were placed on advanced computer chips.”
Subsidiary (noun): A company that is controlled by another larger company.
- Example: “The tech giant has several subsidiaries in different countries.”
Semiconductor (noun): A material, like silicon, used to make electronic components, especially microchips.
- Example: “Semiconductors are essential for modern electronics.”
Align (verb): To put yourself in a position to agree with or support another person or group.
- Example: “The country decided to align its policies with its neighbors.”
Campaign (noun): A series of planned activities working towards a specific goal.
- Example: “There is a global campaign to reduce plastic waste.”
Restrict (verb): To limit or control the size, amount, or range of something.
- Example: “New rules will restrict the amount of sugar in drinks.”
Escalation (noun): An increase in the intensity or seriousness of something.
- Example: “The dispute led to an escalation of tensions.”
Geopolitical (adjective): Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
- Example: “The trade issue has significant geopolitical implications.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What does it mean for Huawei and SMIC to be added to Taiwan’s export control list?
Why is Taiwan’s decision seen as supporting the U.S. campaign?
Which specific technology area is particularly affected by these restrictions?
How might this move impact China’s goals in technology development?
According to the article, what difficult balance is Taiwan trying to manage?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do you think governments use export controls on technology?
How might restrictions on tech companies affect consumers around the world?
What are some potential ways that companies might try to deal with being on an entity list?
How do you think technology and international politics are connected?
What are the potential long-term effects of countries restricting technology trade?

Related Idiom

“Taking a Stand”

Meaning: To openly express an opinion or take action to support a particular idea or group, especially when it is difficult or unpopular.
Example: Taiwan is “taking a stand” by adding Huawei to its blacklist.

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This article was inspired by: Yahoo News, June 18, 2025