TSMC founder Morris Chang (張忠謀) said his comments to Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) about China’s 20th Party Congress at the APEC Summit was his personal decision. Chang was answering questions from reporters on Monday at the Presidential Office.
Chang, who is 91, said his interaction with Xi was “very pleasant” and “polite”. Xi had asked about Chang’s health and Chang congratulated Xi on the success of the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th Congress.
Chang said Taiwan’s presidential office said there was no need to avoid an opportunity to interact with Xi. Chang said that was the only instruction he was given regarding Xi and his comments were his personal decision. He also said he delivered President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) message during his speech at the summit.
Chang met with over half of all 21 leaders and representatives at APEC, including US Vice President Kamala Harris. He said Harris spoke mostly about semiconductors during their conversation and welcomed TSMC’s investment in Arizona. Harris also said the US is committed to supporting and helping Taiwan.