Thirst for the world’s lead-edging microchips could be a driving force for Beijing wanting to take over self-ruled Taiwan, U.S. researchers warned. De facto independent country Taiwan is the home to some of the world’s largest and most advanced semiconductor plants, including the world’s largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC). “Currently, there is no more important base of IC [Integrated Circuit] capacity and production than Taiwan,” stated U.S.-based research company IC Insights in a statement (pdf). “China has a huge problem with its inability to produce leading-edge IC devices for its future electronic system needs—a problem that it believes can be solved through reunification with Taiwan by whatever means necessary.” Earlier this month, Chinese leader Xi Jinping vowed to achieve reunification with the democratic island, for the sake of “preserving its sovereignty,” despite never ruling the country. Researchers said Beijing has been yearned for the island’s capacity to …