Rising geopolitical aggression is reshaping global energy, digital infrastructure and industry. Military spending in Asia is climbing at its fastest pace since 2009, as the region braces for a world of deepening conflict and geopolitical rivalry. Japan has stepped away from decades of post-war pacifism, drawing closer to the US, Australia and India to develop its defence capability and counter China’s growing reach in the region.

This shift shows no sign of abating. Rising defence budgets are also fuelling adjacent sectors such as AI, robotics and advanced materials across Asia. Whether this new demand sparks the next big rivalry over critical minerals in the region remains to be seen.