Taiwan has firmly rejected recent U.S. demands for a 50-50 split in semiconductor production, asserting its commitment to maintaining its chip manufacturing independence. Taiwanese officials emphasized that discussions with the U.S. would concentrate on tariffs rather than shifting half of its chip production to American soil. The proposal has drawn significant backlash in Taiwan, with trade negotiators and Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun making clear that no agreement will be reached regarding such a distribution. The government is also exploring a high-tech strategic partnership with the United States while balancing pressures from both Washington and its domestic semiconductor industries, including TSMC, which has reported rising stock prices amid these developments.