ISTANBUL

Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te, alongside Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Chairman C.C. Wei, said Thursday that the company’s decision to invest $165 billion in the US is not due to pressure from Washington.

"The government did not face pressure from the United States during TSMC’s investment process in the US," Lai was quoted by Taipei-based outlet Focus Taiwan as saying.

Wei emphasized that TSMC’s expansions — whether in the US, Japan, or Germany — are driven by client demand, adding that the chipmaker did not invest in the US for subsidies.

The remarks followed Wei’s announcement Tuesday in Washington that TSMC would invest an additional $100 billion in Arizona to build three advanced semiconductor foundries, two advanced packaging facilities, and a research and development center — on top of the $65 billion already committed.

Taiwanese critics have raised concerns that such a move could weaken the island’s security.

Wei, however, reassured the public that the company’s overseas expansion would not hinder its development.

US President Donald Trump has previously voiced support for bringing semiconductor production back to the US, while criticizing the CHIPS and Science Act, which provides $280 billion in funding to boost the American chip industry.

TSMC, the world’s largest chipmaker, supplies semiconductors to Nvidia, Apple, and other US clients.