Why Tensions Between China And Taiwan Are On The Rise

In May, President Joe Biden issued a stark warning to China: The U.S. would come to Taiwan's defense militarily if China were to invade.

Although the White House quickly affirmed the president's comments did not reflect a policy shift, his remarks came at a time of heightened concern over China's interest in Taiwan following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Any potential action could have repercussions on the global supply china. Taiwan has positioned itself as the go-to supplier of the semiconductors found in countless electronics, from the iPhone to crucial military equipment. But the global reliance on Taiwan for these essential chips has come under increased scrutiny amid a global shortage.

Watch the video above to find out more about why tensions between China and Taiwan are on the rise, the importance Taiwan plays in the global supply chain and what experts think could come of China's increased aggression against its neighboring island.

About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.

Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC

Why Tensions Between China And Taiwan Are On The Rise

[zhangdy]

“ is Taiwan a country?”
US: “ Yesn’t”

[scottykassel]

I love the cheery guitar music over people talking about a nuclear war scenario

[omidpourhossein]

It would be insane to witness a world war with 21st century technology being used on both sides. So many videogames try to portray "futuristic warfare, " but seeing it happen for real just seems unfathomable in a modern sense. We're kind of at a point as a species where war between industrialized nations is just bad for everyone involved.

[thato]

Next year american media will be still saying " tension on the rise"

[Azel]

As a Taiwanese person, I've been living this since I was in elementary school. In grade 1 I remember learning what to do during an atomic bomb strike. I remember the entire school marching like soldiers every day before class to raise the flag and sing the anthem. I remember seeing fighter jets fly over our school, singing nursery rhymes about war, and idolizing soldiers. As children, the concept of war was familiar, expected, and almost exciting. This is something children growing up in the west did not experience.

[mclovin]

Americans look at Taiwan as a stop to China because of how strong and how fast China has risen. But Americans really don’t give 2 f’s about the people of Taiwan. Just look at the comments here. “Protect Taiwan BECAUSE it’s got technology WE need”. Bruh if Taiwan didn’t have that tech, the whole narrative coming from American news would be different. Yes Taiwan is crucial to the first line of defense, but not as crucial as the technology they developed over decades. It’s not Taiwan first or Human Rights first, it’s America first and America’s interests first. Same with China, both these countries are only looking out for themselves. No one is actually looking out for Taiwan.

[Tential]

"we don't make any high end chips"
Intel sobs quietly in the corner.

[charleswomack]

The tensions are rising because that is all the CCP can do about Taiwan!

[vergiliomarcaida]

No wonder ever since tension is always on the rise its a matter of timing.

[benwu]

"At the end of the civil war in 1949" - No, it's not ended to this day.

[hengchoon]

How arrogant to say that " the world allow Taiwan to become the top manufacturer of semiconductor chips " . The chinese population in Taiwan worked harder and smarter than the competition to come out top in the world. USA is dependent on Taiwan supply because the product is better and cheaper than what can be obtained in America now. Bear in mind that Taiwan accomplish this with a democratic elected government.

[patrickwang]

They are talking about a serious subject but they are smiling and looking all happy, like wtf?

[marshaballard]

We must help Taiwan as there is technology that we would end up losing all.

[neonflashx]

Alot of governments are sick in the head!

[justinmcbroom]

"Somehow we let ourselves." Been hearing that a lot lately.

[Jimmy-zxsd]

I was shocked that so few people now the history of this issue and they are talking about BS.

[dhwang]

I don't think it's "strategic ambiguity" it's more like "de facto ambiguity" as a way to explain why US can't make up its mind. Only became a strategy when it became clear that it has advantage

[CertainlyCeramic]

I'm Taiwanese, I've seen this "Tensions are rising" thing for my entire life

[bretthildebrand]

TAIWANS MILITARY JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER 200 MORE HIMARS ROCKET SYSTEMS, 2500 JAVELIN MISSILES, AND 450 ANTI TANK MISSILE BATTERIES

[noelleyte-tv]

SINCE MY CHILDHOOD THE TENSION WAS ALREADY RISING!
And it kept on rising ever-since!