Definition: 1. The strategic combo of making 75% of the world’s advanced microchips + having Big Daddy USA on speed dial, allowing you to tell a superpower threatening invasion to politely “chill TF out.” 2. Any niche dominance that grants surprising geopolitical armor. Origin: Taiwan’s survival strategy: Become utterly indispensable in tech (semiconductors) while diplomatically leveraging its value to keep a giant, angry neighbor (China) at bay. Did it all starting from post-war rubble with zero oil, just smart people and hustle.
Example: “Yeah, China talks tough, but TSMC holds The Taiwan Shield. You ain’t invading the factory making your own missiles’ brains.”