China is stepping up efforts to pilfer semiconductor-related know-how and experienced workers from Taiwanese companies, reports Reuters, citing Taiwan's top security agency. The report claims that external restrictions on shipping advanced fab tools and other technology to the People's Republic of China are among the reasons why the mainland is attempting to grab those resources from the island nation.
China is targeting Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem to gain access to advanced chip manufacturing technology and skilled talent in a bid to bypass those international restrictions, according to Taiwan's National Security Bureau. In particular, China uses indirect methods — front companies, recruitment schemes, and covert channels — to poach engineers, obtain sensitive know-how, and even procure restricted fab tools, the NSB claims.
