Arizona to be 'model' of Taiwan-U.S. high-tech cooperation: Lai

Taipei, March 19 (CNA) TSMC's continued expansion in Arizona will become a model of technology cooperation between Taiwan and the United States, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday.

Speaking as he met with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs in Taipei, Lai said Taiwan's ties with Arizona had seen "significant progress" in recent years, marked by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. 's (TSMC) investment in the state.

He was referring to TSMC's previous commitments between 2020 and 2024 to invest a total of US$65 billion in three chip foundries in Arizona, one of which has begun operations, and its recent pledge to invest another US$100 billion to build three more foundries, an R&D center, and two packaging facilities in the state.

Lai said he believed that by continuing to work together, Arizona would become the "best model" of bilateral cooperation on advanced technology and efforts to build a "non-red" supply chain, referring to a network of industries free from Chinese involvement.

In her remarks, Hobbs said TSMC's venture would not only contribute to the global advancement of artificial intelligence and other technologies, but also strengthen bilateral ties, according to a press release provided by the Presidential Office following the meeting.

The governor, who assumed office in 2023 and is in Taiwan for the second time in her official capacity, also took note of the shared values and cultural and education exchanges between the two sides over the years.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hobbs' delegation is visiting Taiwan until Wednesday after arriving on March 16 to meet with representatives of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, TSMC, and other enterprises.

On Tuesday, Lai also met with Denzil Douglas, foreign minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, at the Presidential Office.

Lai mentioned the longstanding collaboration between Taiwan and the Caribbean ally in areas such as education, agriculture, women's empowerment and environmental protection.

He added that looking ahead, the two countries should continue to support each other on the global stage and promote more exchanges that benefit their people.

Meanwhile, Douglas, who is on a visit to Taiwan from Monday to Friday, said Saint Kitts and Nevis would continue to champion Taiwan's international participation and advocate peace across the Taiwan Strait, according to a separate statement from the Presidential Office.