UMC embroiled in political conflict

The Taiwanese government probe into semiconductor giant United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) and its dealings with Suzhou-based He Jian Technology continues with the reported detainment of former and current UMC employees and He Jian executives, including its chief executive Shyu Jann-hwa. Separately, UMC vice-chairman John Hsuan had been ordered to remain in Taiwan. Fearing a transfer of high tech know-how to China, Taiwan introduced its "no haste, be patient" policy in 1996, which prohibits hi-tech industries from investing in China without the government's permission.