Rare earth elements—critical to electric vehicles, defense systems, and advanced electronics—are once again at the center of geopolitical tensions. China, which controls more than 90 percent of the world's rare earth refining and processing capacity, continues to wield outsized influence over global supply.

Taiwanese Micro Controller Unit (MCU) maker Megawin Technology announced a strategic pivot toward non-China markets during its investor conference Monday, signaling early success in its global expansion strategy and a growing emphasis on automotive and industrial sectors.

NIO has launched a new chip design subsidiary — Anhui Shenji Technology — in a strategic move to become a full-stack provider of smart driving technologies. The unit will support NIO's vehicle platforms and expand into supplying chips to external OEMs, while laying the groundwork for future fundraising and strategic investor participation.

Samsung Electronics has reportedly partnered with two leading European chipmakers to co-develop next-generation automotive chips using its advanced 5-nanometer process, according to ICsmart via Sammobile.