Japan’s semiconductor revival must not only involve Taiwan but also include strategic cooperation with the US, emphasized Kenzo Fujisue, a renowned Japanese scholar and former government official, in a recent interview with DIGITIMES. The discussion took place in Taipei with DIGITIMES President Colley Hwang, where they explored opportunities and challenges in global semiconductor supply chain collaboration.

Taiwan’s renewable energy ambitions face setbacks amid a government transition and policy disputes. President Lai Ching-te’s “Energy Transition 2.0” aims for diversification, but solar and offshore wind projects lag behind expectations. Geothermal, hydrogen, and small hydropower initiatives advance at a crawl, casting doubt on 2025 targets.

Thailand, known as the “Detroit of the East,” is experiencing a transformative shift toward EVs despite the current dominance of fuel-powered cars. This transition is supported by its robust automotive industry and favorable policies from the Thai government, which aims to expand its role in the global electric vehicle supply chain amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Chinese AI chip development is showing signs of maturity and innovation as the industry adapts to tightened US technology restrictions. With the start of 2025, new US measures have intensified pressure on China’s tech sector, including increased tariffs on Chinese solar products, polysilicon, and tungsten implemented on January 1, followed by expanded restrictions on US investments in China’s semiconductor, AI, quantum computing, and microelectronics sectors on January 2.