After Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX had completed its acquisition of artificial intelligence startup xAI, the focus quickly shifted from the mechanics of the deal to its broader implications. The transaction—among the most unconventional corporate combinations in the technology industry—has raised fresh questions about governance, regulatory oversight, and whether a founder-dominated empire can withstand the financial and operational strains of the global AI race.

As the rest of the world struggles with shortages of computing power, electricity and advanced chips, SpaceX has moved the chessboard decisively beyond Earth.

South Korea is moving ahead with plans to develop what it bills as the world’s largest semiconductor cluster in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, where SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics plan to build up to 10 advanced wafer fabs. Infrastructure issues that once drew intense scrutiny, particularly power supply, have eased after authorities adopted an unconventional approach that integrates power grids into road construction.

A recent survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) shows that Japanese companies operating in Vietnam remain committed to expansion, even as they increasingly view China as their main competitive threat.