Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan each enacted AI legislation in 2025-2026. Here is what the laws actually say - and how they compare.

Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan each enacted AI legislation in 2025-2026. Here is what the laws actually say - and how they compare.

From China’s economic pulse to Southeast Asia’s startup boom, here are the biggest stories shaping Asia’s business and tech landscape this week. 1. China’s Industrial Output and Retail Sales Under Pressure China’s industrial output and consumer spending data released this week showed signs of strain, reflecting ongoing trade uncertainties and tariff threats with the US. April’s figures disappointed, pointing to weaker business and consumer confidence.

From multi-million dollar startup funding to cutting-edge tech launches and small business breakthroughs, discover the most impactful news shaping Asia’s economic and entrepreneurial landscape this week. 1. Singapore’s Thunes Raises $150M to Expand Global Payments Singapore-based cross-border payment platform Thunes secured a massive $150 million Series D funding round this week, led by existing and new investors. The capital will fuel its expansion into the United States and strengthen its payment infrastructure across Asia, reflecting the region’s growing influence in global fintech.

From Chinese tariff drama and Japan’s e-commerce shakeup to Southeast Asia’s startup surge, here’s what shaped Asia’s economic and tech landscape this week. 1. US-China Tariff Tensions Show Signs of Easing The ongoing US-China tariff war remains a dominant theme, but recent moves-like China quietly reducing tariffs on select US semiconductors and pharmaceuticals-signal a possible thaw. Despite President Trump’s mixed messages, both sides are under pressure: US tariffs on Chinese goods reached 145%, and Chinese tariffs on US imports climbed to 125%.