In the United States, the focus remained on industrial policy and infrastructure. SEMI, the industry association representing the global semiconductor supply chain, released its 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy on January 28. The strategy emphasised the need for “clear, predictable, and forward-looking policy execution” to maintain U.S. leadership. Key priorities included the continued implementation of the CHIPS Act, balanced trade policies that preserve access to global inputs, and the development of a national semiconductor workforce. The document stressed that to enable American AI leadership, the supply chain must be resilient and globally connected.

China continued its rapid cycle of data governance. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released several draft measures for public comment in January, covering the classification of financial data, the protection of minors from harmful online information, and the collection and use of personal information by internet apps . The Measures for the Classification of Online Information That May Affect the Physical and Mental Health of Minors, issued on January 23 and effective March 1, require content producers to implement prominent warnings and restrict algorithmic recommendations to young users, highlighting Beijing’s continued focus on online content and youth protection.