US, Taiwan Urge Working Together for Important Computer Supplies
2021-03-29
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1The United States and Taiwan are natural partners when it comes to important computer parts, the head of an American research group said this week.
2Brent Christensen is director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).
3He said that increasing this cooperation is important for the U.S.
4The United States increasingly considers Taiwan an important part of its plan to get supplies and products from places other than mainland China.
5This is especially the case for computer technology and chips.
6Computer chips are small pieces of hard material that contain many electronic circuits.
7These devices are used in computers and other electronics.
8Christensen spoke at a ceremony for a new chip factory for Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation in central Taiwan.
9Christensen said he was there "to restate the U.S. government's focus on supply chain security."
10The term supply chain describes the processes involved in producing goods and getting them to the people who will use them.
11Christensen said that "both President Biden and President Tsai have rightly identified the semiconductor industry" as very important.
12Semiconductors are used in electronic devices.
13They are materials that help control electricity or heat.
14Christensen added that semiconductors were not only important for economic reasons "but also national security."
15His office provided a written record of his comments.
16Christensen pointed to last year's launch of the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue as a way the two sides can build a group, or coalition, "against the PRC's unfair economic and investment policies."
17PRC is short for the People's Republic of China.
18Taiwan's President Tsai also attended the event.
19She said she would guarantee that the government will fully support the development of the semiconductor industry.
20Tsai described the industry as a "mountain range protecting the country."
21Taiwan's central part in producing chips has gained attention during the COVID-19 crisis.
22Demand has increased for laptops, tablets and other computer equipment that permit people to work from home.
23This increased demand has helped companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
24It is one of the world's largest contract chipmakers.
25Foreign governments and companies have also asked Taiwan to help reduce a shortage of chips used in car manufacturing.
26The shortage has slowed down car factory work around the world.
27U.S. companies also have plans.
28This week Intel announced a $20 billion plan to increase its chip manufacturing abilities.
29I'm John Russell.
1The United States and Taiwan are natural partners when it comes to important computer parts, the head of an American research group said this week. 2Brent Christensen is director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). He said that increasing this cooperation is important for the U.S. 3The United States increasingly considers Taiwan an important part of its plan to get supplies and products from places other than mainland China. This is especially the case for computer technology and chips. 4Computer chips are small pieces of hard material that contain many electronic circuits. These devices are used in computers and other electronics. 5Christensen spoke at a ceremony for a new chip factory for Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation in central Taiwan. Christensen said he was there "to restate the U.S. government's focus on supply chain security." 6The term supply chain describes the processes involved in producing goods and getting them to the people who will use them. 7Christensen said that "both President Biden and President Tsai have rightly identified the semiconductor industry" as very important. 8Semiconductors are used in electronic devices. They are materials that help control electricity or heat. 9Christensen added that semiconductors were not only important for economic reasons "but also national security." His office provided a written record of his comments. 10Christensen pointed to last year's launch of the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue as a way the two sides can build a group, or coalition, "against the PRC's unfair economic and investment policies." PRC is short for the People's Republic of China. 11Taiwan's President Tsai also attended the event. She said she would guarantee that the government will fully support the development of the semiconductor industry. Tsai described the industry as a "mountain range protecting the country." 12Taiwan's central part in producing chips has gained attention during the COVID-19 crisis. Demand has increased for laptops, tablets and other computer equipment that permit people to work from home. 13This increased demand has helped companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. It is one of the world's largest contract chipmakers. 14Foreign governments and companies have also asked Taiwan to help reduce a shortage of chips used in car manufacturing. The shortage has slowed down car factory work around the world. 15U.S. companies also have plans. This week Intel announced a $20 billion plan to increase its chip manufacturing abilities. 16I'm John Russell. 17Ben Blanchard reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ 18Words in This Story 19focus - v. to cause (something, such as attention) to be directed at something specific - + on 20range - n. a series of mountains or hills in a line 21contract -- n. a legal agreement between people, companies, etc.