ASIANOMICS

🇭🇰 Hong Kong holds cyber drill A three-day cybersecurity attack-and-defense exercise in Hong Kong ended on October 31, with 28 government departments participating. The drill simulated real cyber threat scenarios to identify system vulnerabilities and test defensive deployment and emergency response capacity, according to local reporting. The defending side included 51 teams covering 28 government departments, 23 public institutions, and designated information systems from private enterprises joining for the first time. The 23 attacking teams included representatives from 15 cybersecurity institutions in Hong Kong and mainland China, four Hong Kong tertiary institutions, three teams recommended by Guangdong's internet information office, and one team sent by the Digital Policy Office. Hong Kong's Digital Policy Office said all participating systems and services remained operational throughout the exercise. A report will be provided to participating government departments, public bodies, and private firms for follow-up. #HongKong #China @asianomics

🇰🇷🇺🇸 HD Hyundai, Palantir Partner on AI HD Hyundai Robotics said Sunday it will partner with Palantir to develop physical AI solutions, with the South Korean company aiming to improve workplace operations and expand engineers’ oversight of industrial sites. The announcement was made by the HD Hyundai unit in Seoul following recent engagement with the U.S. software firm. The cooperation links a major South Korean industrial robotics company with a U.S. data and AI platform provider focused on operational decision-making and protected enterprise data. HD Hyundai Robotics’ CTO Ahn Seong-hwan outlined the company’s physical AI strategy at Palantir’s Sovereignty Bootcamp in New York, an event centered on AI competitiveness and corporate data security. Palantir will also support HD Hyundai Robotics in identifying new business opportunities through its AI platform. The partnership points to deeper AI integration in industrial automation and site management. #SouthKorea #UnitedStates @asianomics

🇰🇷 Exports surge on chip demand South Korea’s exports rose 93.7% year-on-year to a record $115.3 billion in October, according to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. Imports increased 36% to $72.78 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $42.5 billion, with semiconductor shipments jumping 259% to $56.4 billion. Cumulative exports in January-October exceeded $900 billion for the first time, and the ministry said annual exports could reach $1 trillion as early as November if current momentum holds. Exports to China surged 133.6% to $26.98 billion, shipments to the United States rose 185.8% to $24.9 billion, and exports to Southeast Asia and the EU also posted strong gains, mainly on chips, automobiles, and AI-related electrical equipment. Petroleum products, petrochemicals, cosmetics, and automobiles also recorded double-digit growth, indicating that the October increase extended beyond semiconductors. The government said it will expand trade cooperation and work to reduce export barriers amid protectionism, supply-chain shifts, and Middle East tensions. #SouthKorea #China #US @asianomics

🇰🇷🇰🇵 Seoul Raises DMZ Blast at G20 South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun used the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta to outline Seoul's position on the Sept. 21 DMZ land mine blast that injured three South Korean soldiers. His ministry said Cho also stressed the need for inter-Korean communication and dialogue to reduce tensions. Seoul has blamed North Korea for the blast inside the Demilitarized Zone and has called for military talks, while Pyongyang has denied responsibility and warned it could take military action along the border if needed. Cho also told G20 counterparts that expanding military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has broader security implications for the Korean Peninsula and the region. Cho asked G20 members to support South Korea's efforts for peaceful coexistence and tension reduction on the peninsula. He also called for international cooperation to protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. #SouthKorea #NorthKorea @asianomics

🇯🇵 Japan Moves on Rapid Rocket Launches Japan’s Defense Ministry is seeking private-sector research proposals to develop small rockets capable of rapidly launching replacement satellites if existing spacecraft are attacked or malfunction. The initiative, announced in Tokyo, has about 70 million yen allocated in the fiscal 2026 budget, with contractor selection planned by February. The ministry is assessing development costs, production methods and manufacturing timelines, while also considering 3D printing for parts and whether launches should be conducted from land, sea or air. Japan currently depends on overseas rockets for about half of its satellite launches and operates a small satellite constellation for monitoring, as concern grows over counterspace threats including satellites designed to disable other spacecraft. The program is aimed at restoring satellite functions quickly during emergencies while also supporting domestic space industry development. It would strengthen Japan’s access to space transport for security-related missions. #Japan @asianomics