Documentary Reveals Taiwan as Key Bridge in US-China Tech Race

The documentary "Mountain Builders: A Century’s Bet" was publicly screened at Iowa State University on the 23rd of this month, drawing significant attendance from academic and industry circles. Using "mountain building" as a metaphor, the film explores the competition between the two major economies of the United States and China in the realms of technology, resources, and geopolitics, positioning Taiwan as a critical "intermediary" and "bridge." Through an interwoven narrative of history and modernity, the film not only depicts the tensions in cross-strait relations but also highlights Taiwan’s irreplaceability in the global supply chain.

During the panel discussion following the screening, Wei-Yan Feng, the head of the Chicago Office, noted that with a population of approximately 23 million, Taiwan has become the fourth-largest trading partner of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region. This data not only demonstrates the mutually beneficial and complementary nature of the two economies but also underscores a high degree of alignment in their ideals and values. Feng emphasized that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship is "inseparable," encompassing not only economic reciprocity but also multi-faceted cooperation in technology, education, culture, and security.

Taiwan holds a substantial share of the semiconductor industry in the United States. Companies such as TSMC and United Microelectronics not only supply critical components for U.S. high-tech products but also provide support for the stability of the global supply chain. Under the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States continues to strengthen arms sales and technology transfers to Taiwan, while emphasizing in multiple congressional dialogues Taiwan’s important role in maintaining regional peace and the free trade system. This mutual dependence is the practical embodiment of the "inseparable" relationship described by Feng.

Beyond economic and security dimensions, cultural exchange is also a vital component of U.S.-Taiwan relations. As an educational center in the Midwest of the United States, Iowa State University hosted this documentary screening with the aim of promoting student and community awareness of Taiwan’s diverse facets. Feng pointed out that through cultural and academic interactions, the understanding of Taiwanese society and history among the American public can be deepened, thereby strengthening the emotional connection between the two peoples and laying a more solid social foundation for future political and economic cooperation.

In summary, the documentary screening and subsequent panel discussion at Iowa State University served as both a retrospective on the history and current status of U.S.-Taiwan relations and a forward-looking perspective on their future development. Through the film and expert lectures, audiences gained insight into Taiwan’s pivotal position in global competition and deeply appreciated the complexity and necessity of U.S.-Taiwan interactions. Such events not only enhance mutual trust between the two sides but also provide new opportunities for Taiwan to continue its voice on the international stage. (Source: CNA)