SEMICONDUCTORS AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Wednesday March 5th here in Seoul.

I'm Min Sunhee.

Today we take a look at the link between semiconductors and their role in supporting national security and diplomatic interests.

For more on this I have freelance journalist Yang Chien-Hao from Taiwan based here in Seoul in the studio.

Chien-Hao welcome back.

I also have Professor Ramon Pacheco Pardo at King's College London joining this talk virtually.

Professor Pacheco Pardo it's a pleasure.

1) Professor Pacheco Pardo, let's begin with details of an opinion piece for the American news publication, Foreign Policy, that you recently wrote in which you assert that "South Korea Has More Leverage Over China Than You Think".

2) Professor Pacheco Pardo, a recent survey by a Korean government affiliated research institute shows experts here ranking their country second in chip performance and related technology as compared to China.

3) And Chien-Hao, could you very briefly tell us a bit about the results of that survey on semiconductors?

4) Staying with semiconductors but beyond borders.

5) Professor Pacheco Pardo, does this latest pledge of investment by TSMC in America look to affect the Trump administration's support of Taiwan in the event of any Chinese hostility?

6) Professor Pardo, some pundits are voicing concern about the future of South Korea's foreign policy as they point out the Trump administration risks "reducing the bilateral alliance to a simple business transaction" as the latter seeks tangible economic returns in exchange for security efforts.

7) Chien-Hao, China this week began its annual "Two Sessions" gathering, a week-long political event that pundits believe offers a glimpse into the priorities of its leadership.

8) Professor Pacheco Pardo, as the Trump administration steps back from the international stage, do see you China stepping up to take on some roles?

9) Chien-Hao, moving forward, what are the prospects of more constructive ties among South Korea, Japan and China amid the more protectionist foreign policy of the U.S.?

All right.