TAIPEI: Taiwan is investigating 11 Chinese firms for allegedly stealing high-tech talent, escalating efforts to block technology outflows amid rising tensions with Beijing.
More than 185 agents searched 49 locations and questioned 90 people this month in a coordinated operation targeting Chinese companies suspected of recruiting Taiwanese engineers without approval.
These firms allegedly disguised their operations by setting up shell companies in Taiwan or operating without authorization to recruit talent illegally.
Taiwanese law restricts Chinese investment in key parts of the semiconductor supply chain, including chip design, and mandates reviews for others.
The companies under investigation include Huaqin Technology, Anker Innovations, Circuit Fabology Microelectronics Equipment, Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Co Ltd, and SG Micro.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan insists only its citizens can determine their future.
A task force established in late 2020 has handled over 100 such cases involving suspected illegal recruitment by Chinese firms.