>Suggestions that seem to disregard Taiwan's autonomy over its own affairs
Fair, but this autonomy seems to be tenuous at the moment and grows more so as time passes. You must be aware what the US is willing to do when it comes to national interest. Chips are on par with energy/oil, possibly regarded as even more important economically and militarily. I'm not sure if the US regards Taiwan's fall as inevitable or how they would act if they deemed it so. Regardless, a war over Taiwan would significantly slow chip production.
>as if U.S. interests can dictate decisions like purchasing all of TSMC and relocating them and their personnel.
I'm sure there will be a carrot and a stick, but if this happens, an offer will be made that TSMC can't refuse. TSMC seems to be more than interested in moving their fabs off Taiwan land, so I don't think this would be necessary.
>The assumption that China's primary interest in Taiwan is solely due to TSMC, with claims like 'China will lose interest once TSMC ceases its operations'.
Yes you are correct about this. China's current interest in Taiwan goes well beyond TSMC.
Fair, but this autonomy seems to be tenuous at the moment and grows more so as time passes. You must be aware what the US is willing to do when it comes to national interest. Chips are on par with energy/oil, possibly regarded as even more important economically and militarily. I'm not sure if the US regards Taiwan's fall as inevitable or how they would act if they deemed it so. Regardless, a war over Taiwan would significantly slow chip production.
>as if U.S. interests can dictate decisions like purchasing all of TSMC and relocating them and their personnel.
I'm sure there will be a carrot and a stick, but if this happens, an offer will be made that TSMC can't refuse. TSMC seems to be more than interested in moving their fabs off Taiwan land, so I don't think this would be necessary.
>The assumption that China's primary interest in Taiwan is solely due to TSMC, with claims like 'China will lose interest once TSMC ceases its operations'.
Yes you are correct about this. China's current interest in Taiwan goes well beyond TSMC.