China intensifies efforts to poach semiconductor talent from Taiwan, claims report — international restrictions motivate illicit efforts to obtain talent and equipment

Taiwan's National Security Bureau says China is stepping up efforts to acquire semiconductor know‑how and experienced workers from Taiwanese firms.

External export restrictions on advanced fab tools and other technology are a motivating factor behind some of the poaching attempts.

The NSB alleges China uses front companies, recruitment schemes, and covert channels to poach engineers and obtain restricted fabrication tools.

TSMC produces chips in high volume using 2nm-class fabrication technologies, while SMIC can mass-produce on 7nm-class nodes.

Taiwan is strengthening legal and regulatory barriers to prevent technology transfer and illicit recruitment, and recorded more than 170 million intrusion attempts against its Government Service Network in the first quarter.