Fabs.

This is coolbert:

“'TSMC needs to integrate global elements before producing high-end chips' . . . 'Without components or equipment like ASML’s lithography equipment, without any key components, there is no way TSMC can continue its production. […] Even if China got a hold of the golden hen, it won’t be able to lay golden eggs.'" - Chen Ming-tong.

Within context of a very recent previous blog entry, the vital nature of the Taiwanese semi-conductor manufacturing industry. 

"Taiwan Security Bureau: No Need to Destroy TSMC's Fabs If China Invades"

From "Tom’s Hardware" ^ | 10.12.2022 | the article by Anton Shilov 10/13/2022. The tip from Freeper.

"Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing prowess might be one reason for China to invade the island and seize fabs belonging to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., United Microelectronics Corp., and Micron. One of the potential responses to such a plan could be evacuating personnel and destroying the fabs, suggested Parameters, a top U.S. army publication recently. But this might be unnecessary"

Correct. That was my intuitive response to the situation. A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would necessitate the fabrication machinery [fabs] to be pre-wired in advance with explosives. Detonate immediately if and when the Chinese tried to capture intact by coup de main the micro-electronic semi-conductor industry of Taiwan.

Overwhelming control of the micro-electronic semi-conductor industry would place the whole world in the position of having to conduct normal business and technological development only at the sufferance of the Chinese for any time into the foreseeable future.

coolbert.