Elon Musk in talks with TSMC over chipmaking partnership

2026-10-05

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk could be looking to team up with TSMC to solve one of his biggest headaches: securing enough chips for his growing empire of AI, robots, self-driving cars and rockets. Musk has announced plans for his own chipmaking project, but now reports suggest he’s in talks with TSMC about a potential partnership. And with TSMC reportedly considering a second US fab, possibly in Texas, the timing is raising plenty of eyebrows.

Elon Musk
SpaceX CEO
And we would like them to expand as quickly as they can and we will buy all of their chips. I have said these exact words to them.

Back in March, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Terafab project, a planned semiconductor fabrication plant that aims to secure a stable chip supply for the development of AI, self-driving cars, robots and rockets. Reports say Musk has been in talks with TSMC for a potential collaboration.

Musk tweeted on X that for now it’s “Just discussions,” adding that “Something may come of it.” The development comes hot in the heels of rumors that TSMC is considering establishing a second US manufacturing site in Texas. Though the chipmaker has not commented on the matter, there is a lot of speculation about a potential collab.

Wu Chin-jung
Tech company GM
Musk is not an expert in chip manufacturing, he’s an outsider. So he may think that partnering with TSMC would be the fastest option. Working with TSMC to make chips in the US would be much faster than building a fab himself.

But how would the two companies cooperate? One possibility is that TSMC would own and operate the facility and SpaceX would provide funding and commit to purchasing the chips. Another is that SpaceX would hold a majority stake, with TSMC providing its expertise and process technology. An expert says that’s not likely.

Wu Chin-jung
Tech company GM
If TSMC were to partner with Musk, TSMC would definitely have to hold the majority stake. I don’t think TSMC would simply provide manufacturing services. If that were the case, TSMC might as well build its own fab and supply him directly.

C.C. Wei (December 2024)
TSMC CEO
A few days ago, I spoke with the richest person in the world, and he told me he was focusing on multifunction robots, for his company’s future. He said his biggest concern was a shortage of chips. I told him not to worry. I said, “If you’re willing to pay, you’ll get your chips.”

Pay, and you’ll get what you want. Traditionally, TSMC has built fabs according to its own expansion plans, so building a facility specifically for a single customer would be at odds with its business model.

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#tsmc #musk #spacex #semiconductor #chips

馬斯克證實"與台積電合作" 專家:確保晶片供應

2026-10-05

市場傳出台積電評估，在美國德州蓋第二個廠區的傳聞，當時公司表示：不予評論，但隨後Space X執行長馬斯克想要和台積電合作建廠，他證實傳聞，說"目前只是在討論階段"。專家分析，馬斯克是晶圓製造門外漢，想透過台積電，確保晶片產能，也比自己蓋廠快很多。

[[Space X執行長馬斯克(2026.3)]]
“我希望他們擴廠越快越好，我們會買他們所有晶片，我跟他們這樣說。”

今年三月Space X執行長馬斯克宣布Terafab晶片製造計畫，就是為了確保供應無虞，支撐旗下AI、自駕車、機器人到火箭發展，近期又傳出他與台積電接洽，討論潛在的合作機會。

馬斯克在X上證實，"目前只是討論階段，但可能會有進一步成果"，但市場才剛傳出，台積電評估在美國興建第二廠區計畫，地點可能在德州，公司不評論傳聞，但不免引發外界聯想。

[[科技公司總經理吳金榮]]
“晶圓半導體製造，他是門外(漢)，他等於是外行的。他想一想，如果能夠跟台積電合作是最快，在美國自己製造，比自己蓋要快很多。”

馬斯克想跟台積電合作，有2個可能方案，一是台積電持有營運，SpaceX方投入資金參與、承諾採購，另一方案是Space X有多數股權，台積電提供專業知識和製程技術，但專家認為第二種可能機率很低。

[[科技公司總經理吳金榮]]
“如果台積電要跟馬斯克合作，台積電一定佔大股，沒有說台積電只去做製造，我想台積電不會做這個事情。如果以這樣，那我自己蓋一個廠，供給你就好了啊。”

[[台積電董事長魏哲家(2024.12)]]
“跟全世界最有錢的傢伙聊天，他跟我講說，多功能的機器人是他要努力的方向，他說他最擔心的是，沒有人供應他晶片，我說你不要緊張，只要你肯付錢，你的晶片一定有。”

魏哲家就曾談過，只要肯付錢，晶片一定有。畢竟台積電一直以來，都是按照自己的計劃建廠，提供產能，如果為了單一客戶打造，幾乎是與現有營運模式背道而馳。

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Thunder Tiger Corp. chief sounds alarm on Taiwan’s nascent drone industry

The war between Russia and Ukraine first showed the world the importance of drones to modern warfare, particularly for a weaker power in conflict with a much larger neighbor. Experts say Taiwan needs a flourishing drone industry. However, a leading domestic military drone manufacturer is sounding the alarm. Gene Su, the general manager of Thunder Tiger Corp., says he’s worried that government investment in the industry might not be stable and consistent, amid clashes with the opposition-dominated legislature, which would greatly impact research and development. He also points out that there is no regulatory body to oversee the industry in Taiwan. Let’s find out more.

Gene Su
Thunder Tiger Corp. general manager
Elon Musk’s company Starlink claims it won’t offer service to Taiwan. I’ve asked the chair of Chunghwa Telecom several times when we’ll have good low-Earth orbit satellites.

Gene Su, the general manager of Thunder Tiger Corp., a leading domestic military drone manufacturer, points out all the difficulties faced by Taiwanese manufacturers. For Taiwan to develop a “non-red supply chain,” three major challenges need to be overcome first.

Gene Su
Thunder Tiger Corp. general manager
For example, in Taiwan we have the Civil Aviation Administration to inspect manned aircraft, and we may have the NCC to inspect telecommunications, but drones, and the hundreds of chips inside drones, who regulates them? Otherwise, import and export manufacturers will have opportunities to attempt to “launder the country of origin,” etc.

The Legislative Yuan has passed a drone bill, budgeting NT$240 billion over six years through annual budgets, which has raised some concerns within the industry

Gene Su
Thunder Tiger Corp. general manager
For example, if I invest NT$100 million in tooling and amortize it over six years, I can gradually iterate and improve its performance. We hope the budget for each year will be consistent and continuous. Otherwise, manufacturers end up making A this year, B next year, and C the year after and continuous research and development and investment will not be stable.

The Ukraine-Russia war has set a precedent, showing drones have completely changed the face of modern military conflicts. Compared with other countries, Taiwan started developing military drones late. It is urgent for Taiwan to catch up with international trends.

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#Thundertiger #Taiwandrones #LEOsatellites #dronebudget #nonredsupplychains #crossstrait #Taiwanchina

2026-10-05

Pomelo peel turned into household cleaner

In addition to making cute, festive hats over the Mid-Autumn Festival, pomelo peels have another use: cleaning. They contain limonene, a compound that can dissolve grease and grime on tough surfaces. Making a cleaning product from the peel is not only economical and resourceful, but it’s powerful enough to remove stubborn grease, even in the microwave.

Yeh Wei-hsiang
FTV reporter
Do you have any more pomelos at home? After eating them, don’t be in a rush to throw out the peel. It contains limonene, which has many uses.

After eating the pomelo, remove the white pith, but keep the peel, because it has limonene: an excellent cleaner.

Yang Hsien-ying
Household expert
We usually don’t recommend using an old pomelo. It’s better to use a fresh one.

Cut up the peel, put it in a jar and submerge it in alcohol, then cover it and leave it in a cool, dark place for a week. This DIY cleaning liquid is great for getting grease off microwaves, stoves, and pots.

Yang Hsien-ying
Household expert
We usually recommend using it on surfaces that don’t come into contact with food, like the hood of a stove or the outside of pots. I wouldn’t recommend using it to wash dishes. It can save you at least NT$1,000 a year.

It can also help clean the microwave. Put pomelo peel in a bowl of water and put it in the microwave for one minute. Then let the steam sit for a few minutes to soften the grime in the microwave.

Yang Hsien-ying
Household expert
When it’s microwaved, it will boil, so there will be steam. The steam will slowly soften any grime and bacteria in the microwave.

Remember to throw pomelo peel away with food waste, except in Keelung, Miaoli, and Hsinchu City, which classify the peel as trash. But before throwing it away, maximize its value by using it as a cleaner, saving money and leaving the home with a fresh citrus scent.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#pomelo #fruit #peel #recycle #reuse #MidAutumnFestival #MoonFestival #clean #cleaner #cleaning

2026-10-05

Prices remain high across new foldable phone models

Phone brands are racing to release new foldable phones for the high-end market, with Apple releasing its first foldable iPhone this October. Meanwhile, Samsung is launching a model with new screen dimensions and Oppo is promoting its model’s advanced camera. But with prices starting at NT$60,000, it remains to be seen how many people will choose these flashy new phones.

Even drilling the screen leaves no scratches. The phone can be folded and unfolded repeatedly and is advertised to last 13 years. To show its strength, the company used the phone to pull rowing machines and lift kettlebells while unfolded.

With a 7.95-inch screen, it can use AI to summarize a video while watching it or use two apps at once through split-screen. Foldable phones are useful, but their bulky design, battery life, and camera capabilities remain major challenges for the market.

Mr. Yi
Tech expert
Its screen breaks easily, so repairs could be expensive, which can make people hesitant to buy it. They might not care about the initial expenditure, but would worry about the warranty and customer service after purchasing it.

Samsung’s Fold8 has a new 4:3 display ratio, Oppo’s N6 boasts impressive camera capabilities, the Honor V6 screen is only 4mm thick when unfolded, and the long-awaited foldable iPhone is only as big as a passport. But with all these phones priced at over NT$60,000, are they really worth it?

Member of public
Considering foldable phone
I’m not sure how many people use it or how long it lasts, because it’s foldable. I don’t think it’s more durable than a normal phone.

Member of public
Considers price carefully
If I could afford it, I’d like to try it. The screen is larger, and the iPhone model has lots of new functions. But it would depend on the price.

With innovative features, foldable phones are continuing to improve as technology develops, but their high price remains a barrier for many.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#iPhone #Apple #Samsung #Oppo #phone #foldable #foldablephone #new #camera #screen #price

2026-10-05

Selfie at level crossing nearly causes train collision

The wait is nearly over. Tainan’s underground railway project is nearing completion, which has led to some people throwing caution to the wind. Wanting to capture the perfect picture, some locals wandered onto the ground level crossing, narrowly missing oncoming trains. Police stated that trespassing could result in a fine of up to NT$50,000 and could constitute a public endangerment offense under the Criminal Code.

A thrill-seeking elderly man snuck onto the level crossing of the train and stood beside the train tracks to take photos, prompting the conductor of the Tze-Chiang Express train to sound the alarm.

The train screeched to a stop and the driver leaned out to check the cause. He quickly told the elderly man to back up.

Member of public
Disapproves of train enthusiasts
The trains will go underground, so many train enthusiasts go there to take photos. They shouldn’t do it, trespassing the crossing just to take pictures can endanger others as well.

Tainan’s Railway Underground Project is nearing completion, and the sight of trains passing through the level crossing is causing mayhem. Many train enthusiasts are flocking to the area to take photos disregarding their safety near the train tracks.

- Where do they take photographs?
- On the side, both sides, some will call you to come out

Chiang Yu-huang
Tainan Railway Police
According to Articles 57 and 70 of the Railway Act, pedestrians and vehicles are prohibited from trespassing on railway lines. Violators may be fined between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000

Similarly, this afternoon at Kaohsiung’s Gangshan Station, a passenger was reported to have asked the conductor to get off and take a picture of him with the Pokémon train.

Member of public
Concerned about train delays
If they cause delays just to take photos, then it is not really okay.

Member of public
Concerned about safety
They have their jobs, they might even help you take photos, and one careless mistake could lead to a major accident.

Taiwan Railways confirmed that the train conductor did get off the train, albeit not to take photos for passengers. It seems in frenzy for photos, passengers are neglecting basic safety and potentially breaking the law. They are encouraged to err on the side of caution if they want to keep their precious photos.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#trains #undergroundrailway #levelcrossing #taiwantransport #taiwantrains

2026-10-05

FBI arrests realtor accused of surveilling Lai Ching-te’s son

The FBI has arrested a Chinese American woman for surveilling the son of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in the US on behalf of China. The arrest took place at Los Angeles International Airport, where the suspect, called Zhang Wanying or Heather, was about to embark on a flight for Shanghai. According to federal court documents, the woman allegedly traveled to Seattle last September, hid near Lai Ting-yu’s home and photographed his family. She also allegedly sent their vehicle license plate information to Chinese officials via Chinese messaging app WeChat. Let’s hear more.

Karen Kuo
Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson
This is a classic case of transnational repression. We strongly condemn it. Such behavior should not be tolerated in the civilized world. Taiwan thanks US law enforcement for assisting and protecting our people, and we will continue working with the US and all our democratic partners to jointly combat this kind of illegal transnational repression.

Wang Ting-yu
Lawmaker
Her actions clearly violate the laws of the countries involved. The FBI even had its director personally announce the case this time. China’s long-arm reach, particularly its targeting of the overseas activities of the relatives of key Taiwanese political figures, is something the US is taking very seriously. US authorities have gathered substantial evidence, including communications, surveillance photographs, and an oath of allegiance in which she pledged loyalty to the People’s Republic of China.

FBI Director Kash Patel also took to social media, accusing the woman of surveilling the family of a foreign leader on US soil on behalf of the Chinese government. Patel questioned whether she thought she could simply board a flight and escape to Shanghai, saying that that was not going to happen. Zhang is accused of failing to register with the US Department of Justice as a foreign agent. If convicted under Section 951 of Title 18 of the US Code, she could face up to 10 years in prison.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#spy #china #us #taiwan #laichingte

2026-10-05

Legendary TV host Kevin Tsai spotted at Puma Shen event

Legendary television host Kevin Tsai, best known for the talk show Kangsi Coming, rarely attends political events. But on Sunday, he was among the thousands of supporters at the inauguration of Puma Shen’s campaign headquarters in Taipei. Tsai kept a low profile, wearing a hat and a facemask, and holding Puma Shen merch. But still people, recognized him, including people on the other side of the strait. Chinese netizens called for a boycott online, and a Chinese EV brand, Leapmotor, took down all promotional content featuring Tsai. Let’s hear more.

Kevin Tsai (Oct. 4)
Television host
- I came to take a look.
- Do you support Puma Shen?
- I’d like to hear everyone’s views.
- Will you go to Chiang Wan-an’s events?
- If I had the chance to go visit every candidate, that’d be great.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Kevin Tsai clearly said he would like to check out all of the candidates, and see what each of them advocates for. I think that’s nothing special in a democratic society like ours. If people who do that were to be punished, that would be extremely unfair.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
Everyone is free to attend any political event. I urge Mainland China to respect Taiwan’s free and democratic way of life, and to not treat people differently due to their political views. I welcome Mr. Kevin Tsai to also attend the inauguration of our campaign headquarters. If he comes, he’ll be in the VIP area.

Tsai later responded to Chiang Wan-an in a social media post, saying that if he receives an invitation, he would be happy to attend the event to observe and learn. He even joked that he would do his best to follow the host’s preferred dress code and dress accordingly to help create the right party atmosphere. While the latest episode involving Tsai may have come as a surprise to some fans, others have praised what they call his intellectual integrity.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taipei #election #pumashen #chiangwanan #taiwan

2026-10-05

Taiwan Presidents show support at Puma Shen campaign rally

An ocean wave took over the streets of Taipei on Sunday. The campaign headquarter opening of Taipei’s Mayoral Candidate Puma Shen drew a crowd of 120,000 fans in the streets. Overwhelmed with the support, Shen emotionally exclaimed, “I wish my mother could see this.” When he got on the stage, he quoted a famous line from the anime, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adenture,” and also appeared alongside his wife and daughter, speaking from the heart about making Taipei run smoothly.

Many small drops eventually make up the ocean, and that was the case on Sunday along Taipei’s Zhongshan North and South Roads; at the opening of Taipei’s DPP Mayoral Candidate Puma Shen’s headquarters. Some reports suggest over 120,000 fans showed up in the streets.

Legislator Rosalia Wu, who serves as Puma Shen’s campaign manager, was deeply moved backstage and tearfully embraced Legislator Chen Pei-yu. Shen quietly told Wu that he wished his mother was here to see this.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
When I think about how far we’ve come, I can’t help but feel tears in my eyes. It’s like the wind being carried by ocean currents, and this is the wind of democracy.

As an avid anime fan, Shen once again quoted a famous line from the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures, to describe the Ocean Current movement.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
I cannot help but quote “JoJo” once again: the hymn of humanity is a hymn of courage, it is because we possess courage that we have made it this far.

With clear vision and no turbulence, Puma Shen is emerging as a favorable figure for the DPP despite the odds stacked against him. He’s even released a campaign song titled “Future Soon.”

President Lai Ching-te also made an appearance on Sunday, raising Shen’s hand in support.

Lai Ching-te
President
As of late, I’ve seen TV commentators claiming that when I nominated Puma Shen, the sole objective was to check Chiang Wan-an rather than winning, and that this goal has been achieved. Let me set the record straight: such claims are a form of cognitive warfare. As the party chairperson, when I nominated Puma Shen, my goal was precisely for him to win this election.

Not only the president, vice president, and premier take turns stepping up, but former President Tsai Ing-wen also made an appearance.

Lai and Tsai sharing the stage to rally for support remained the highlight of the event.

The event is being described online as an election-eve rally, featuring an impressive line-up of political figures. With less than two months remaining before elections, Puma Shen continues to pull out all the stops.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#pumashen #tsaiingwen #laichingte #taipeimayor #taiwanpresident

2026-10-05

Man loses NT$200,000 after absent- mindedly putting cash on car roof

2026-10-05