China

Recent rumors in China link rooftop solar panels with increased cancer rates and birth defects, causing public concern. Experts measured radiation from various devices, including solar panels, finding levels significantly below national safety standards (less than 20 nanoteslas compared to the 100 microteslas limit). They clarified that while solar panels emit radiation, like most electronics, the levels are harmless. Experts emphasized that household appliances meet safety regulations, reassuring the public and supporting China’s renewable energy goals amid misinformation.

Grandma Xu, a Chinese senior and former fraud victim, successfully turned the tables on a scammer impersonating her grandson. Educated by local police anti-fraud campaigns, she skillfully engaged the suspect until authorities arrived. This case highlights the growing success of anti-fraud education in empowering seniors to identify and thwart scams targeting their trust and vulnerabilities. Authorities emphasize vigilance, communication with family, and reporting suspicious activity to combat increasingly sophisticated schemes that exploit elders.

The U.S. government revoked TSMC’s export waiver (VEU status) for its Nanjing, China, facility, requiring individual licenses for U.S.-origin chipmaking equipment shipments. SK Hynix and Samsung also lost VEU privileges. This aims to close a “Biden-era loophole” on foreign-owned fabs in China and tighten control over technology flows, limiting China’s chip production capabilities and ability to expand their supply chain footprint. While TSMC anticipates limited financial impact, this move underscores a broader U.S. strategy to reshore manufacturing and restrict China’s semiconductor advancement.

Huawei Chairman Guo Ping addressed new hires in July 2025, discussing the company’s strengths and weaknesses in a “decoupling world.” Acknowledging restricted access to advanced technologies, Guo emphasized Huawei’s strong domestic base and ambition to become a global leader in ICT and smart devices. He highlighted strategies like “hardware-software synergy” and “non-Moore’s Law approaches” to overcome limitations and offer “another option” to the world. Guo urged new employees to seize opportunities in the dynamic industry and contribute to reshaping it.

Alibaba is developing a new AI inferencing chip amidst US-China trade tensions and restrictions on Nvidia exports. This move is part of a broader effort by Chinese tech companies to create domestic chip solutions. Alibaba will use the chip to enhance its cloud infrastructure, offering computing power to customers. This complements, rather than replaces, its reliance on vendors like Nvidia. Fueled by AI-related products, Alibaba’s cloud division saw significant revenue growth. Other Chinese firms, including Baidu and Huawei, are also developing proprietary semiconductors.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggests a possible introduction of the Blackwell processor to China, advocating for eased U.S. restrictions. He anticipates a robust 50% growth in China’s AI market. Huang previously sought export licenses for the H20 chip, reaching an agreement involving revenue sharing with the U.S. government. Nvidia may need to modify Blackwell chips to comply with export rules, balancing cutting-edge technology deployment with national security. Despite uncertainties, Nvidia projects strong revenue, highlighting China’s $50 billion potential market value.

Nvidia is set to release its fiscal Q2 earnings, with analysts anticipating $1.01 EPS and $46.02 billion in revenue. Investors are focused on Nvidia’s data center performance, especially demand for Blackwell chips and developments in the Chinese market. Supply constraints for Blackwell racks and the impact of US export controls on H20 sales in China are key concerns. Analysts expect guidance to exclude China, projecting approximately $53 billion in sales for fiscal Q3, a 51% year-over-year increase.

Cambricon, a Chinese semiconductor firm, reported significant revenue and profit growth in the first half of the year, driven by the increasing demand for AI chips. This surge reflects China’s strategic push for domestic AI chip alternatives to Nvidia amidst potential US export restrictions. While Nvidia still dwarfs Cambricon in overall revenue, the Chinese government’s support and diversified sourcing strategies are boosting Cambricon’s prospects. The company is focused on improving its software to compete more effectively. However, export controls pose a challenge to long-term technological advancement.

China’s electricity consumption surpassed 1 trillion kilowatt-hours in July, a new record, driven by extreme weather and economic recovery. This figure equals Japan’s annual consumption and rivals the US’s Q1 consumption. Overall electricity consumption from January to July rose 4.5% year-on-year to 5.8633 trillion kilowatt-hours. Primary, secondary, and tertiary industries saw increases of 10.8%, 2.8%, and 7.8% respectively. Residential consumption also increased by 7.6%. China’s power supply system remains stable despite peak demand.

A “Lu Xun-inspired knitted vest” from People’s Literature Publishing House is trending on Weibo. Dubbed “literary armor,” it’s seen as a symbol of intellectuality. Lu Xun’s grandson, Zhou Lingfei, views such popularization as positive for cultural preservation, but expressed concern about disrespectful caricatures of Lu Xun. Lu Xun’s enduring influence is evident in his works being included in Chinese school textbooks.