Monitor Hi Tech In East Asia
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (11/2025)
In November, the East Asian region saw the introduction of new technology regulations and a strengthening of cooperation between governments and the private sector. China continued to tighten data oversight while simultaneously declaring openness to foreign cooperation. Smaller states, especially Taiwan, intensified efforts to diversify and deepen ties with like-minded foreign partners. Private technology companies are playing an increasingly important role in international relations, helping shape new economic agreements. The use of artificial intelligence is also growing across the region, along with the scale of emerging risks. The November edition of the Hi-Tech Monitor is available for download here.
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (10/2025)
The new export regulations on rare earth elements announced by China in October accelerated efforts by East Asian countries to secure key raw materials for the high-tech industry. In response, South Korea activated a crisis mechanism, Japan formally strengthened its supply chain alliance with the United States, and Taiwan adopted measures combining its domestic production capabilities with international partnerships. At the same time, the APEC 2025 summit in South Korea resulted in a series of agreements and initiatives, including the postponement of export regulations following the Xi–Trump meeting. The October edition of the Hi-Tech Monitor is available for download here.
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (9/2025)
Cybersecurity holds particular significance in the era of the dynamic development of artificial intelligence and new technologies, which can be used not only for good but also for malicious purposes. East Asian countries, competing for the status of a so-called “cyberpower,” are investing substantial resources to gain an advantage. As a result, regulatory frameworks have tightened, leading to increased technological control. At the same time, technological development coexists with the low-emission transition, made possible by the rapid advancement of material and semiconductor technologies. Companies are actively seeking beneficial international solutions, combining technological innovation with global business opportunities. The monitor with information from September can be downloaded here.
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (7-8/2025)
Trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. administration, along with domestic security requirements, are giving rise to unusual alliances. Companies traditionally seen as competitors are entering into cooperation to mitigate the negative effects of tariffs and legal regulations. Asian conglomerates recognize that the race to develop artificial intelligence matters not only for businesses but also for states. Countries such as South Korea and China actively support their manufacturers at every stage of operations, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and related fields. July-August Monitor can be downloaded here.
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (6/2025). The rapidly changing dynamics associated with the redefinition of the global economy by, among others, the Sino-American trade war and limited resources of rare earth metals, also in June require hi-tech companies to choose between cooperation and the pursuit of self-sufficiency. Companies and research centers in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea are cooperating with each other and with American companies. Taught by the difficulties associated with the disruption of supply chains during the 2020 pandemic, they are also looking for opportunities to independently produce components for new technologies. At this time, Chinese companies are also continuing to decouple from American components. Download the entire information from June with commentary here.
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (5/2025). In May, trade restrictions that had been a major problem for large corporations in previous months were partially lifted. Chinese restrictions on trade in rare earth metals are forcing other countries to look for alternative raw materials. A very big problem in all East Asian countries is the shortage of personnel, especially artificial intelligence specialists, which countries and companies are trying to deal with in different ways. Despite the difficulties, various hi-tech projects in the region are still being implemented, such as quantum computers and supercomputers, as well as scientific research in various fields. Download the entire May compilation with commentary here.
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (4/2025). In April East Asian economies had to react to tariffs imposed on their countries. Rapid changes in restrictions have put small and medium-sized enterprises supplying components to large companies in a particularly difficult situation. Although many hi-tech products have been excluded from tariffs, the US-China "trade war" is not conducive to long-term development strategies. Some companies are establishing or strengthening non-obvious cooperation with competitors. Nevertheless, countries are trying to support their manufacturers with subsidies and declare that they are making every effort to resolve tariff issues. Nonetheless, research and implementation of various semiconductor technologies, batteries for electric cars, AI and humanoid robots are underway. Download the entire April compilation with commentary here.
Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (3/2025). Many Asian hi-tech companies shared their plans to build data centers at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. A number of previously announced investments, also from other sectors, are entering the implementation stage. Many of them in the countries of the "global south", such as India or Brazil, or in the countries of origin of the companies. Cooperation with American companies in the AI and semiconductor sectors is continued by companies from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Many Chinese companies, due to, among others, American tariffs, are turning to domestic components or are starting to produce their own. Both technology giants and startups throughout the region are focusing on research and implementation of artificial intelligence. Download the entire March compilation with commentary here.
