On January 20, 2025, China's DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model, marking a strategic breakthrough in the global race for large language models (LLMs). Spearheaded by founder Wenfeng Liang, R1 departed from the US model of large-scale compute and instead championed a lean, open-source approach focused on cost efficiency
As AI foundation models embed deeper into vehicle system architecture, China's XPeng Motors is shifting from conventional car manufacturing to a full-stack AI mobility platform. Its strategy now revolves around three core pillars: large-scale automotive foundation models, in-house AI chips, and humanoid robots—laying the groundwork for the next decade of intelligent transportation
Samsung Electronics is doubling down on its leadership in advanced memory technology. Following its latest developments at the Pyeongtaek facility, industry sources report that Samsung also plans to establish a mass production line for sixth-generation 1c DRAM at its Hwaseong campus. Investments are slated to commence as early as the end of 2025. Industry analysts in South Korea interpret this move as a clear signal of Samsung's growing confidence in its yield improvement capabilities
Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and an escalating tech war, China's tech sector is undergoing a sweeping pivot. Companies like Xiaomi, Lenovo, and Huawei are accelerating the shift to in-house chips and operating systems in a bid to establish technological sovereignty
While reporters gathered at Taipei's Songshan Airport on May 12 hoping to spot Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, he was already in the Middle East, accompanying US President Donald Trump on a high-profile state visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Huang's presence marked a strategic move, as he was welcomed by regional royalty during a tour focused on AI partnerships
In recent years, the US government has tightened AI chip export restrictions targeting China, prompting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to repeatedly warn that restricting Nvidia's AI chip exports to China actually accelerates the rapid rise of domestic chipmakers like Huawei. At Computex 2025, Huang told global media that Nvidia's market share in China has sharply declined, which will drive Chinese customers to support local chip companies such as Huawei
According to iNews24 and SE Daily, SK Hynix System IC, the 8-inch foundry subsidiary of SK Hynix, is urging employees in both South Korea and China to transfer to its joint venture unit in Wuxi, China, as part of a business optimization effort. The company recently held briefings for staff, offering an incentive of 3,000% of the base salary for those who accept the transfer to SK Hynix System IC (Wuxi)
LG Electronics' Indian subsidiary reached record revenue and net profit in early 2025, strengthening its position in the South Asian market and enhancing prospects for a potential listing in India
As OpenAI CEO Sam Altman toured the Middle East with Donald Trump, promoting a regional "Stargate Project," a quieter but equally profound AI revolution was unfolding in China. At its center is not a headline-chasing and media-hungry founder, but a reclusive, soft-spoken engineer: Liang Wenfeng
The Financial Times recently reported, citing informed sources, that Nvidia plans to establish a new R&D center in Shanghai to strengthen its strategic presence in the Chinese market. The initiative not only responds to China's persistent strong demand for high-end chips but also underscores a pragmatic strategy by the US chip firm to find balance amid rising geopolitical tensions
Taiwan-based Inventec is ramping up its global production capabilities in response to rising geopolitical risks and growing demand for AI servers. The company is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Texas and Thailand, aiming to strengthen regional supply chains and better serve customers worldwide
Japan's push to revive its semiconductor manufacturing is hitting speed bumps as major manufacturers expressed cautiousness over operation or expansion amid weak demand outside of AI
China has rapidly emerged as a global powerhouse in hydrogen energy, demonstrating strong capabilities across the entire supply chain—from production and storage to transport and fuel cell vehicle manufacturing. However, industry observers warn that the sector could soon face the same overcapacity and cutthroat price competition that once plagued the solar and wind industries
Xiaomi's XRing O1 will debut in the 15S Pro smartphone and Pad 7 Ultra, reportedly built on TSMC's second-gen 3nm (N3E) process. With around 19 billion transistors, the chip ranks alongside Apple's A17 Pro and other flagship SoCs, according to National Business Daily and Zol.com.cn
On the evening of May 22, Xiaomi is expected to launch its self-developed 3nm mobile system-on-chip (SoC), the XRing O1, in a move that underscores both the company's technological maturity and China's broader drive toward semiconductor independence amid tightening US export restrictions. The chip has already entered mass production and is set to power Xiaomi's upcoming mobile device lineup, according to chairman and founder Lei Jun
The India Taipei Association, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Industrial Technology Research Institute held the "Taiwan-India Investment Strategy Partnership Forum" in Taipei on May 21. The event featured the largest Indian state government delegation ever to visit Taiwan, led by senior officials. It focused on strengthening economic ties and supporting India's push to attract foreign direct investment for its next decade of growth