The year 2026 began with several key developments in the high-tech sector in East Asia. China, responding to the Japanese prime minister’s speech in November, introduced tighter export controls, which accelerated Japan’s efforts to diversify supplies of critical raw materials. South Korea enacted the world’s first basic law on artificial intelligence, while Taiwan, the leader in the semiconductor industry, has been consistently leveraging its position to maintain its independence. However, all of these countries are struggling with a shortage of highly skilled workers in AI-related sectors. The January monitor with commentary can be downloaded here.