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Taiwan Warns China Targeting Chip Industry Talent

Taiwan’s government has warned that China is intensifying efforts to acquire advanced semiconductor technology and talent from the island as part of a broader strategy to overcome global restrictions on its tech sector.

According to a report by Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, Beijing is using indirect methods—including recruitment networks and corporate channels—to access sensitive expertise in artificial intelligence and chip manufacturing. The goal is to secure capabilities such as advanced-process semiconductors and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world’s leading contract chipmaker and a critical supplier to companies like Nvidia and Apple. This makes the island a strategic focal point in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Authorities in Taipei say they have repeatedly uncovered attempts by Chinese entities to recruit engineers and access restricted technologies, prompting strict legal controls to prevent technology transfer. The report also highlights concerns about cyber activity, noting that Taiwan’s government networks faced more than 170 million intrusion attempts in the first quarter alone.

Beyond industrial targeting, the report warns of broader hybrid tactics, including disinformation campaigns, deepfakes and election interference ahead of Taiwan’s upcoming local elections. Military pressure also remains elevated, with hundreds of Chinese aircraft and naval operations recorded near the island in recent months.

The developments reflect the intensifying technological and geopolitical rivalry between China and Western-aligned economies, where semiconductors have become a central battleground. Taiwan maintains that its future will be determined solely by its population, rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

Nvidia Invests $2 Billion in Marvell to Strengthen AI Ecosystem

Nvidia has invested $2 billion in Marvell Technology as part of a broader strategy to maintain its central role in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence infrastructure market.

The investment is designed to improve compatibility between Marvell’s semi-custom AI chips and Nvidia’s ecosystem, including its networking technologies and processors. As more companies explore custom silicon to reduce reliance on Nvidia’s high-cost GPUs, the move helps ensure those alternatives still integrate within Nvidia-dominated data center environments.

Marvell specializes in custom chip design and advanced networking solutions, particularly in optical interconnects and silicon photonics — technologies critical for high-speed, energy-efficient data transfer in large-scale AI systems.

Through this partnership, Marvell will provide custom silicon and networking components compatible with Nvidia’s NVLink Fusion architecture, while Nvidia will supply CPUs, network interface cards and interconnect technologies.

The deal reflects a strategic shift: rather than competing directly with all custom chip providers, Nvidia is positioning itself as the foundational platform enabling diverse AI hardware ecosystems.

Major technology firms such as Alphabet and Meta Platforms are expected to collectively spend over $600 billion on AI infrastructure this year, significantly boosting demand for advanced semiconductors and networking hardware.

Following the announcement, Marvell shares rose around 7%, while Nvidia also recorded gains, signaling strong investor confidence in the partnership.

Samsung Set for Record Profit Surge on AI Chip Boom

Samsung Electronics is expected to report a sharp surge in quarterly profit, driven by soaring demand for memory chips fueled by the global artificial intelligence boom.

Analysts project operating profit of around 40.5 trillion won ($26.9 billion) for the January–March period, marking a six-fold increase and potentially a record quarterly result. Revenue is also expected to rise by roughly 50%, supported by what the company describes as an “unprecedented supercycle” in memory chips.

The surge has been driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure, where advanced memory such as DRAM plays a critical role. Rising prices and tight supply have significantly boosted margins for chipmakers.

However, risks remain. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could disrupt supply chains and increase energy costs, potentially slowing investment in data centers. Additionally, recent signs of easing memory prices and reduced consumer demand for electronics have raised concerns among investors.

Samsung’s shares have declined about 14% since late February amid these uncertainties, though they remain significantly higher year-to-date due to AI-driven optimism.

Despite short-term volatility, industry experts expect continued supply shortages in memory chips. Market forecasts suggest DRAM prices could rise further in the coming quarter, reflecting sustained demand and limited production capacity.

While Samsung’s semiconductor division is set to deliver strong performance, its other businesses—including smartphones and display panels—are expected to face pressure from rising component costs and competitive markets. The company may also encounter labor challenges, with unions pushing for changes in compensation structures.

Overall, Samsung’s results highlight the central role of memory chips in the AI economy, even as broader risks continue to shape the outlook.