Taiwan chip tycoon warns China has 'Trojan horse' that must be voted out

UMC founder Robert Tsao aims to recall opposition KMT lawmakers, bolster defense

Robert Tsao, who founded Taiwanese chipmaker UMC, has emerged as a key face in a movement to vote out lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang. (Photo provided by Robert Tsao)

THOMPSON CHAU

June 18, 2025 08:23 JST

TAIPEI -- A yearlong showdown between Taiwan's president and legislature has spawned a growing campaign to recall lawmakers from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), with one of the fathers of the Taiwanese chip industry leading the charge.

Robert Tsao, the 78-year-old tycoon who founded United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), told Nikkei Asia in an interview that he believes voting out KMT legislators is vital for Taiwan's survival and security.