South Korea’s semiconductor stockpiles dwindled at the fastest clip since 2009 last month in a sign of sustained demand for high-performance memory chips used in artificial intelligence development.

Amid the rise of generative AI and global supply chain restructuring, Taiwan’s exports to the United States and ASEAN have surged to unprecedented levels. In August 2024, Taiwan’s exports to the US reached a record US$11.89 billion, with cumulative exports for January to August hitting all-time highs of US$75.45 billion to the US and US$56.33 billion to ASEAN. Premier Jung-Tai Cho emphasized the need for Taiwan to enhance supply chain resilience in light of these developments.

The Presidential Office has established the “National Climate Change Committee,” comprising members from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. While divergent opinions are expected, the president has not imposed any restrictions on the direction of discussions. However, as Taiwan’s highest administrative body, the Executive Yuan has affirmed that the country must progress towards a “nuclear-free homeland” in accordance with the law, and discussions on extending the operational life of Nuclear Plant No. 3 are not on the table.