Taiwan Curbs Chip Exports to South Africa in Rare Power Move (2)

Taiwan has imposed restrictions on the export of chips to South Africa over national security concerns, the first time it has used its semiconductor industry as a weapon against a country closely allied with China.

Taiwan now requires pre-approval for the bulk of chips sold to the African nation, its trade regulator said in a statement Tuesday. The decision emerged after Pretoria sought to downgrade Taipei’s representative office and force it to relocate to Johannesburg from the capital.

The move reflects both Taiwan’s economic clout and a growing frustration with getting sidelined by Beijing in the diplomatic community. Taiwan Semiconductor ...