Taiwan has implemented new export controls targeting Huawei and SMIC, potentially restricting their access to resources needed for advanced AI chip production. This move is driven by national security concerns, geopolitical tensions, and the potential use of these chips in military applications. As TSMC based in Taiwan dominates the global semiconductor foundry market, these controls could significantly impact Huawei’s AI ambitions and SMIC’s chipmaking capabilities. This action highlights the reliance on Taiwan for chip production, the entanglement of geopolitics and technology, and potential disruptions to the global chip market. It remains to be seen how Huawei and SMIC will adapt to these restrictions, but further actions from other countries are expected.