India can replace China as major semiconductor manufacturer, says Taiwan FM Joseph Wu

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu expressed his optimism that India could replace China as the major semiconductor manufacturer as "China may not be a reliable partner in high-tech production".

The comments come even as Taiwan company PSMC and Tata Group have come together for India's first semiconductor fab in Gujarat's Dholera.

"People have started to understand that China may not be a reliable partner in high tech production, and therefore people are looking for an alternative and when people see India, which is a democracy, which is a reliable partner, and which also provides an abundance of skilled engineers and labourers. So making investments in India or entering into cooperation with Indian electronics or manufacturing becomes a viable option," said Taiwanese Minister Joseph Wu.

Speaking to our WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Taipei, the Taiwanese foreign minister also warned of disinformation campaigns ahead of the Indian election.

He said, "India is also going through an election and I'm sure the Chinese would like to create this open environment to shape the minds of the Indian people."

India and Taiwan have seen high-level developments, including the signing of a mobility pact. Under the mobility pact, Indian workers can travel to Taiwan which can boost the self-ruled island's economy. Taiwan is also working on opening up its office in Mumbai.

Watch part of the interview here:

The foreign minister also spoke on the visit of Taiwan's former President Ma's visit to Beijing.

He said, "And most of the people here in Taiwan who like to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, it's about 80% or more and those who would advocate the lies advocated by former president Ma is in a very small minority, and those who would advocate to change the status quo in a rapid way to defy Taiwan and China is also a small minority".

Speaking about India extending its support to Taiwan in the aftermath of the earthquake, the minister said, "We are very touched by Prime Minister Modi's gesture. Even though he's running for election right now, still he took out time to post about the earthquake here in Taiwan and sent his condolences, sympathy and support for the countless people at this very difficult time."