Taipei: A group of visiting lawmakers from the state of Arizona expressed their gratitude to Taiwan for significantly boosting the state’s profile through Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC’s substantial investment. Tony Rivero, a Republican in the Arizona House of Representatives, highlighted the importance of TSMC’s US$150 billion investment, which he believes has placed Arizona firmly on the global map.
According to Focus Taiwan, Rivero humorously remarked that Arizona might have been one of the lesser-known U.S. states a decade ago, prior to this massive investment. He emphasized that TSMC, the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor manufacturer, has invested over US$150 billion in the state. The first TSMC Arizona facility commenced mass production of 4-nanometer chips in late 2024, with the second facility for 3-nanometer chips nearing completion and a groundbreaking ceremony for a third facility taking place in April 2025.
Rivero noted that TSMC’s investment has not only strengthened economic ties between Arizona and Taiwan but also created thousands of jobs in the state. He mentioned the upcoming direct flights between Phoenix and Taiwan, facilitated by two Taiwanese airlines, China Airlines and Starlux, as a testament to the growing connections. China Airlines will begin its Taipei-Phoenix service on December 3, 2025, with a stopover in Los Angeles on the return trip, while Starlux plans to launch a nonstop service on January 15, 2026.
Rivero, leading a seven-member cross-party state parliamentary delegation, is visiting Taiwan to explore further economic opportunities and celebrate the strong relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. He plans to propose legislation in Arizona to establish a commission for collaboration in higher education and workforce development with Taiwan. Additionally, he aims to support Taiwan’s international participation, especially in light of United Nations Resolution 2758 and its implications.
The Arizona delegation includes Kevin Volk, Frank Carroll, Tim Dunn, Lupe Diaz, Walt Blackman, and Lydia Hernandez. During their visit, they are attending SEMICON Taiwan, an annual semiconductor exhibition, and meeting with officials from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, political parties, and Taipei City, which has been a sister city to Phoenix since 1979.
