A spiralling tech war between the United States and China has reinvigorated Beijing’s ambitions for semiconductor independence in recent months and turbocharged efforts in Washington to thwart its plans, leaving chip-making powerhouse Taiwan caught in the crossfire.
Tensions have escalated between the countries on multiple fronts this year, from the coronavirus pandemic to Hong Kong, but it is in the field of trade and technology where the Trump administration has worked most diligently to put pressure on Beijing.