The new Taiwanese technology minister, Wu Ching-wen, stated that it is possible to remotely disable the operation of internet-connected smart machines, including chip-making machines, in the event of conflict on the island.

This came in response to Wu, who has begun overseeing the science and technology sector under a new administration, to a question from a parliamentary member regarding a Bloomberg report indicating that the chip-making machinery manufacturer "ASML Holding NV" and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company have the capability to remotely disable the world’s most advanced chip-making machines.

China has increased its military drills around the island, which Beijing considers part of its territory, just days after Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as the new president of self-governing and democratic Taiwan, which has a population of 23 million.

Bloomberg reported that tensions across the Taiwan Strait have raised concerns in the United States and other countries about the potential repercussions on the global economy, which relies on "TSMC" for the production of the world's most critical chips.

Wu stated that today’s smart chip manufacturing technology allows us to remotely disable the operation of chip-making machines, as we can use smart manufacturing technology to control the machines remotely, including stopping their operation, as long as they are connected.