Why was Intel’s Chinese-American CEO forced to resign by Trump?

Today’s Focus: Trump no longer friendly to Putin? Zelensky sets red line! Prominent Chinese-American tech giant, Intel CEO falls? Trump forces him to resign, US prepares to impose 100% tariffs on chips!

Guests for this episode: Dr. Shen Mingshi, Researcher at the Taiwan Institute for National Defense Studies; Mark, Host of “Mark Timespace”; Qin Peng, Current Affairs Commentator and Senior Political and Economic Analyst. Host: Fuyao.

On the evening of the 7th, US Attorney General Bondi released a shocking video statement offering a reward of $50 million to seek clues for the arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro.

Qin Peng, when you saw this news, what was your reaction? Will this matter come true?

Professor Shen, what signal do you think the US Attorney General’s action sends to the outside world?

US Special Envoy Witkoff mentioned the option of holding a “trilateral meeting” between Putin, Trump, and Zelensky at the Kremlin on Wednesday, but the Russian side did not respond, instead suggesting focusing on preparing for a “US-Russia bilateral summit.”

If a meeting between Putin and Trump materializes, it would be the first summit between US and Russian leaders since 2021.

However, in response to the Kremlin’s claim to have finalized a meeting with the US, the White House denied on the 8th, emphasizing that the summit has not been confirmed yet. The White House also stressed that a “necessary precondition” is for Putin to first meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky. However, Russia is not willing to make a commitment on this.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky also made a public call on social media platform X for three major conditions for peace between Russia and Ukraine.

He wrote, “The top priority is very clear: first, end the bloodshed, Russia must agree to a ceasefire; second, promote summit-level talks, such meetings can lead to genuine long-term peace; third, cooperation with the US and Europe can achieve long-term security.”

Previously, Moscow stated that the “Double Putin Meeting” would take place next week, while the White House said a “Zelensky-Putin Meeting” must happen first for the “Double Putin Meeting.” Today is Friday, will the leaders of Russia and Ukraine meet soon?

Mark, today is the deadline set by President Trump for negotiations. What is the future direction of the Russia-Ukraine war?

Qin Peng, just before the negotiation deadline, the Russian side released news of a meeting with President Trump. However, the White House denied it. How do you view this news? Why does it give a sense of déjà vu?

Regarding the meeting “preconditions” presented by the White House, Putin said this goal is somewhat distant.

Professor Shen, what are the chances of a meeting between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky?

Follow-up: Why did Putin release unconfirmed news?

Mark, from a military perspective, Putin preemptively expressed a desire to meet with Trump. Does he really need something from Trump?

Qin Peng, President Trump had always maintained a relatively friendly attitude towards Putin. Why has there been a recent change in President Trump’s attitude?

Professor Shen, if Putin and Trump do meet, does it mean the war will end?

Additionally, on the 7th, President Trump specifically posted a statement demanding that Chinese-American CEO of Intel, Chen Liwu, resign immediately.

Chen Liwu, the CEO of Intel who took office in March this year, is a well-known figure in the semiconductor industry. At the beginning of his tenure, the market was optimistic, with Intel’s stock rising by about 11% to 14.6%. Chen Liwu is also the first Chinese-American CEO of Intel.

After taking over at Intel, Chen Liwu focused on AI and foundry business, and is pushing forward the 1.8nm semiconductor process, expecting to achieve mass production by the end of this year. This goal is more advanced than TSMC’s 3nm and 2nm processes.

In June this year, Chen Liwu carried out a major restructuring of the company’s top management. He planned to restore Intel’s global leading position.

However, last week, a company previously led by Chen Liwu, Yihua Computer (Kaideng Electronics), was exposed for selling hardware and software to the National University of Defense Technology in violation of US export control regulations. Yihua Computer has admitted guilt and paid a fine of $140 million to the Department of Justice.

Simultaneously, it was revealed that from March 2012 to December 2024, Chen Liwu himself or through his risk fund, invested at least $200 million in more than 600 advanced manufacturing and chip companies in China, controlling over 40 Chinese companies and funds.

Although sources have indicated that he has withdrawn from holding stakes in mainland Chinese companies, data shows that many of his investments are still active.

Currently, US Congress members Cotton and President Trump are deeply concerned about this matter.

Mark, Chen Liwu was born in Malaysia of Chinese descent. Holding shares in Chinese companies as a US citizen is not illegal, why does Trump insist on his resignation?

Qin Peng, Intel, TSMC, and Samsung Electronics are the world’s top three most advanced computer chip manufacturers, with Intel being the only one headquartered in the US. Now that President Trump is demanding the recently appointed CEO of Intel to resign, will it affect the company’s operations? And consequently impact chip manufacturing in the US?

Professor Shen, besides demanding Chen Liwu’s resignation, President Trump is preparing to impose 100% tariffs on semiconductors. How do you view President Trump’s multi-pronged approach and ultimate goal?