Taiwan quake highlights risks and readiness of Asia's chip sector

TAIPEI/TOKYO -- Just 10 hours after a massive, 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan, the island's biggest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp., was able to report that more than 70% of its chipmaking tools were back online, and that no vital machines had been damaged.

It was a testament to the island's preparedness for such disasters, but also a reminder of the never-ending risk facing chipmakers in Asia's quake-prone areas.