Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) founder Morris Chang stated that the development of the TikTok platform by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) serves political purposes, and the government should find ways to crack down on it. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has not been vigilant enough in countering the CCP’s united front tactics over the past 8 years, and corrective measures are necessary.
In his speech at the DPP’s National Security Youth Empowerment Camp on the 24th, Morris Chang highlighted the CCP’s ambitions to invade Taiwan for its strategic significance in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to challenge the United States and threaten countries like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam. He warned that such aggression would bring disaster to both Taiwan and mainland China. Chang emphasized the CCP as an enemy of Taiwan, urging the people to have a deep understanding of the CCP’s regime to safeguard national security.
Although the CCP desires to annex Taiwan, it has not resorted to military action primarily due to the deterrence provided by the United States. Taiwan and the CCP have remained separate entities since 1949, as the U.S. recognizes Taiwan’s strategic importance as a core interest and will not allow its takeover. However, the CCP has been utilizing sympathizers in Taiwan to spread disinformation and subvert the island nation from within.
Regarding concerns about the influence of TikTok on the public, Morris Chang mentioned that the U.S. is aware of its dangers and aims to ban the platform, but legislative actions are pending. He reiterated the political motives behind the CCP’s TikTok development, emphasizing the urgency for the government to crack down on it. He criticized the DPP for neglecting to effectively counter the CCP’s united front strategies in the past, stressing the need to rectify this oversight.
Morris Chang, knowing the oppressive nature of the CCP regime, avoids visiting mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, actively engaging in anti-CCP activities in Taiwan. He called for heightened awareness among the Taiwanese people, supporting President Lai Ching-te’s stance on cross-strait relations and the defense of freedom of speech. Despite the CCP’s declining economic power, he remains optimistic about Taiwan’s future, given the efforts to contain the CCP’s influence.
On the ongoing controversy surrounding the Paris Ritz-Carlton Hotel during the Olympics, where the management issued an apology acknowledging the “1992 Consensus” and opposition to Taiwan independence, Morris Chang commented on the pressure faced by businesses operating in China to comply with CCP demands. He highlighted the risks of sacrificing values for short-term gains, as compliance may lead to asset forfeiture in the event of Taiwan’s subjugation by the CCP.
As the Long-Teng Ritz-Carlton Hotel incident sparked debate during the Paris Olympics, with accusations of selective flag displays, Morris Chang warned against Taiwan businesses yielding to CCP pressures for financial gains, reminding them of the potential consequences in the long run. He emphasized the importance of protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty and assets, cautioning against shortsighted decisions that could jeopardize the nation’s future prosperity.