Elon Musk openly questioned whether companies that joined President Donald Trump's announcement promising hundreds of billions of dollars in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure could follow through on their promises, exposing an early internal rift within the White House.

Taiwan's digital infrastructure faced challenges again as two submarine cables connecting Taiwan and the Matsu Islands were completely severed on January 22, marking the latest in a series of disruptions that highlight the vulnerability of critical communication networks in the region.

With Trump's return to the White House, global industries are anticipating shifts in sectors like drones, particularly in response to potential drone bans targeting China. As China faces increased export restrictions, Taiwan's strong supply chain is ready to meet the growing demand from US and European manufacturers seeking alternatives, offering Taiwanese companies a prime opportunity to expand their global presence in the drone industry.

China is broadening its ambitions from drone supremacy to the aerospace sector, aiming to challenge the dominance of European and American firms. Experts suggest that this endeavor is part of a larger geopolitical strategy where aerospace capabilities are intertwined with national security considerations.

Taiwan's military has awarded a contract to Tron Future Tech for 26 anti-drone systems, marking a significant step in the island's efforts to counter unmanned aerial threats amid rising regional tensions.

Upon Donald Trump's return to the presidency, Taiwan's overseas expansion strategies are attracting significant attention. Jyh-Huei Kuo, Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs (MOEA), recently highlighted the opportunities for collaboration between Taiwan and the US in aerospace technology. It will be the top priority for both Taiwan and the US in the future to strengthen partnerships in the aerospace sector.

Qianfan Constellation, often referred to as China's version of Starlink, has announced its plans to deploy 13,904 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030. The project, while ambitious, faces significant challenges, including limited launch site availability, high costs of single-use rockets, and doubts about the survivability and durability of its LEO satellites.

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, South Korean industries are closely monitoring the potential implementation of anticipated executive orders and their implications for critical sectors such as semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, and steel production. While these industries face considerable risks, others, including drones, shipbuilding, and aerospace, may find growth opportunities.

Intel Foundry has announced the addition of two new defense industrial base (DIB) customers, Trusted Semiconductor Solutions and Reliable MicroSystems, as part of the third phase of the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) efforts under the Trusted & Assured Microelectronics (T&AM) Program in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).

As the Legislative Yuan nears the end of its current session, opposition parties have proposed significant cuts and freezes to the 2025 central government budget. At a press conference on January 16, Premier Jung-tai Cho warned that these reductions would weaken Taiwan in five critical areas: technological development, national security, civil service performance, government communications, and overall national competitiveness.

China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has established a department to boost the low-altitude economy, targeting growth in 2025 and beyond. This move aligns with Beijing's recent push for aviation reforms, focusing on airspace management, traffic systems, and low-altitude infrastructure.