On Tuesday, Taiwan's top research agency released a set of key technologies that will be subject to tighter controls in order to prevent technology leaks and boost industrial competitiveness. The 22 essential technologies encompass five industries: defense, aircraft, agricultural, semiconductors, and ICT (information and communications technology), according to a news statement from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

According to the NSTC, "key technologies" are those that, if exported to China, Macau, Hong Kong, or "external hostile forces," would seriously affect national security, industrial competitiveness, or economic development.

The list includes anti-interference and satellite control technologies, as well as methods for producing semiconductors utilizing advanced manufacturing processes (14 nanometers or less), according to the NSTC.

According to the agency, defense and aerospace technologies have acquired a level of autonomy in terms of development due to national security imperatives and technological advancement.

Agricultural technology is on the list because of its connection to food security and the economy, it said, adding that semiconductor technology is on the list because Taiwanese enterprises have the world's largest market share.

According to the NSTC, the enormous impact of semiconductor technology on Taiwan's economic development and industrial competitiveness merits its inclusion.

According to the NSTC, ICT is vital to Taiwan's national security, digital technology, and the safeguarding of the nation's key infrastructure.

It stated that if technical secrets are exposed, an investigation will be launched in accordance with relevant rules, including the Intellectual Property Case Adjudication Act.

The list was initially revealed in an October story by Nikkei Asia, which quoted National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo as saying that Taiwan will soon identify which technology needed to be protected by the country.

The NSTC stated in the announcement that the list will be reviewed in three months. During this time, the council and relevant ministries will evaluate any criticism and stay flexible in the face of technological advances.