Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (12/2025). December reaffirmed the year-long approach adopted by East Asian countries toward developing regulatory and financial frameworks for artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Several public–private financing initiatives for the high-tech sector were launched. South Korea and Taiwan prioritized legislative measures, while China and Japan emphasized sector-based approaches and coordination. The strategic focus on advanced technologies was maintained, particularly through the expansion of critical materials supply chains and efforts to diversify sourcing. A growing energy challenge also became increasingly evident. The December edition of the Hi-Tech Monitor is available for download here.

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, including the Sino-American trade war and limited rare earth resources, are forcing hi-tech companies to choose between cooperation and self-sufficiency in June. Companies and research centers in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are collaborating with each other and with American companies. Having learned from the disruptions caused by the disruption of supply chains during the 2020 pandemic, they are also exploring opportunities to independently produce components for new technologies. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are also continuing to decouple from American components. Download the entire June compilation with commentary here.

Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (5/2025). In May, trade restrictions that had posed a significant problem for large corporations in previous months were partially lifted. Chinese restrictions on the trade of rare earth elements are forcing other countries to seek alternative raw materials. A significant problem in all East Asian countries is the shortage of skilled workers, particularly in artificial intelligence, which countries and companies are addressing in various ways. Despite the difficulties, various hi-tech projects in the region, such as quantum computers and supercomputers, as well as scientific research in various fields, continue to be implemented. Download the entire May compilation with commentary here.

Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (4/2025). East Asian economies had to respond in April to the tariffs imposed on countries. The rapid changes in restrictions placed small and medium-sized enterprises supplying components to large companies in a particularly difficult situation. Although many hi-tech products have been exempted from tariffs, the US-China "trade war" is not conducive to shaping long-term development strategies. Some are establishing or strengthening non-obvious collaborations with competitors. Nevertheless, countries are trying to support their producers through subsidies and declare that they are making every effort to resolve tariff issues. Research and implementation of various semiconductor technologies, batteries for electric cars, AI, and humanoid robots are also underway. Download the entire April compilation with commentary here.

Monitor Hi-Tech in East Asia (3/2025). Many hi-tech companies in Asia shared their plans to build data centers at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. A number of previously announced investments, including those in other sectors, are entering the implementation phase. Many of these are located in "Global South" countries such as India and Brazil, or in the companies' home countries. Companies from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan continue to collaborate with American companies in the AI ​​and semiconductor sectors. Due to US tariffs, among other factors, many Chinese companies are turning to domestic components or starting to produce their own. Both tech giants and startups across the region are focusing on AI research and implementation. I Download the entire March compilation with commentary here.