Taiwanese Semiconductor Tycoon Robert Tsao Pledges To Fund A 3.3 Million-strong Civil Militia To Resist Chinese Invasion

Robert Tsao , founder of world's second-largest contract chipmaker United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), announced on Thursday (Sep 1) that he will be donating NT$1 billion (US$32.79 million) to train a 3.3 million-strong militia in support of Taiwan's defense efforts against China.

Addressing the media, Tsao said that he had renounced his Singaporean citizenship, which he had secured in 2011, and was "so excited" to have his Taiwan citizenship restored.

Urging Taiwanese to resist China's belligerence, Tsao said "I have returned to Taiwan and I will die in Taiwan."

Tsao warned it would be “an intentional slaughter and vicious war crime and crime against humanity” if China were to use force against Taiwan.

Earlier in August, Tsao had also pledged to donate NT$3 billion ($137.3 million) to help enhance the island's defences, following the launch of military drills by China around the island in response to a visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Tsao is one of Taiwan's richest entrepreneur with an estimated wealth of US$16.3 billion.

Tsao was once a major supporter of unification with China. He actively advocate for the unification of China and Taiwan through peaceful means.

Tsao stepped down as UMC chairman in 2006. In 2011, he even renounced his Taiwanese citizenship in 2011 to protest against a government-led crackdown against his company for investing in a Chinese business project in 2011.

Over the last few years, Tsao began to voice his opposition to Beijing's aggression.

Tsao, whose two sons hold Taiwan citizenship, said earlier this year that one of them has completed compulsory military training and the other will be trained during his summer break. The tycoon said his two sons would fight the People's Liberation Army (PLA) if China did invade Taiwan.