Core Viewpoint - The panel industry is undergoing a significant transition, marked by intense competition and strategic maneuvers between major players like BOE and Samsung, with Japan's influence waning significantly over the years [1][2][3]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Japanese panel industry dominated the global market in the 1990s, controlling 94% of the LCD panel market, but has since seen a dramatic decline due to competition from South Korea and China [6][15]. - The rise of South Korean companies like Samsung and LG in the late 1990s and early 2000s, supported by government backing and aggressive pricing strategies, led to a significant reduction in Japan's market share [13][15]. - By 2009, Chinese manufacturers, led by BOE and TCL, began to challenge the established players, initiating a "second round of price wars" [15][28]. Group 2: China's Rise in the Panel Industry - China's display industry has evolved through strategic investments and government support, with significant milestones such as the establishment of the 6th generation line by BOE and the launch of TCL's 8.5 generation line [25][24]. - By 2020, China produced nearly half of the world's panels and gained pricing power, marking a shift in the global panel market dynamics [26][28]. - The acquisition of Samsung's Suzhou LCD factory by TCL in 2021 and the subsequent increase in procurement from BOE highlight the growing interdependence between Chinese and South Korean firms [31][42]. Group 3: Current Developments and Future Outlook - The recent patent disputes between BOE and Samsung, culminating in a resolution in November 2025, indicate a strategic shift towards collaboration in the OLED space, with both companies focusing on future technologies [34][39]. - Samsung plans to significantly increase its procurement from BOE, reflecting a new phase of cooperation and competition in the OLED market [42]. - The decline of Japan's panel industry, with companies like Sharp and JDI struggling to maintain relevance, underscores the shifting landscape where Japan's role has diminished to that of a supplier of critical materials rather than a market leader [28][44].