More than three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, peace remains out of reach—and fears of another flashpoint are growing in the Taiwan Strait. With backing from the US, Taiwan is stepping up its military readiness, extending mandatory conscription, and increasing defense spending to sharpen its asymmetric warfare capabilities.

Academia Sinica signed a Net-zero Carbon Reduction Research Application memorandum of understanding (MOU) with National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) on July 24, 2025, prioritizing investment in the research and development of power generation using the Kuroshio ocean current. Academia Sinica president James Liao stated that as a maritime nation, Taiwan is the perfect place for multi-faceted marine research and development.

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has outlined four main strategies for the development of semiconductor technology in Taiwan: sustaining current advantages, global expansion, innovation in applications, and adaptation for sustainability. The aim is to secure Taiwan’s position as a key player in the global semiconductor industry, while also advancing the application of semiconductor technology in various industries, including biomedical and agricultural applications.

Alphabet has raised its 2025 capital expenditure to US$85 billion from US$75 billion as technology companies accelerate artificial intelligence infrastructure investments despite uncertain returns, with server manufacturers including Quanta and Foxconn poised to benefit.