What did the CIA tell Tim Cook that frightened him so much he slept with one eye open?
Summary
Apple CEO Tim Cook received a stark warning from the CIA during a meeting about a potential military scenario that could severely impact tech companies. This revelation highlights the intersection of technology and national security in today's landscape.
Key Insights
What specific warning did the CIA give to Tim Cook and other tech executives?
In a classified briefing in July 2023, CIA Director William Burns and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines warned that China's military buildup could lead to an invasion or blockade of Taiwan by 2027, severely disrupting the global semiconductor supply chain dominated by TSMC.
Why was the U.S. government concerned about tech companies' reliance on Taiwan?
The U.S. views dependence on Taiwan for advanced semiconductors as a critical vulnerability; a Chinese blockade could halt chip supplies, causing an economic crisis worse than the Great Depression with U.S. output plunging 11%, prompting efforts like the CHIPS and Science Act to build domestic manufacturing.