Can Taiwan Really Disconnect Its Economy From China?

China has long been Taiwan’s most important trading partner, the main buyer of its exports and the place where many of its companies make their products. China is also Taiwan’s greatest threat and claims that the island democracy is part of its territory.

Now, Taiwan’s ruling political party says it wants to do more to dismantle the commercial ties that for decades have propelled Taiwan’s economic growth.

President Lai Ching-te is calling for companies that make semiconductors — Taiwan’s main industry — to stop buying from and selling to China. Mr. Lai has said Taiwanese firms, which make the majority of the world’s advanced computer chips, should instead embrace a supply chain that involves only companies from democratic countries.

The move aligns with Washington’s long-running goal of cutting off China’s access to advanced chips. It also underscores how Taiwan is snared between the two superpowers. President Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on Taiwan, and dozens of other U.S. trading partners, as soon as this week.