China

A Chinese-Israeli couple in Nanchang, China, named their daughter “Wu Xuelisha Barui,” sparking online debate. The unusual six-character name, a combination of the mother’s surname, a Chinese term of endearment, and a transliteration of the father’s Israeli surname, was chosen with specific Chinese character components in mind. While legally registered and favored by the parents, some netizens worry about the child’s future challenges with such a unique name and its social implications. The event reflects cross-cultural naming trends.

Nvidia and AMD have agreed to remit 15% of their AI chip sales revenue in China to the U.S. government in exchange for export licenses. The White House confirmed the arrangement, initiated by the Trump administration, aims to reduce U.S. national debt, which exceeds $37 trillion. Nvidia’s H20 chip is currently the primary product affected. The Treasury Secretary sees this as mutually beneficial, allowing Nvidia to maintain its Chinese market presence while benefiting American taxpayers. This agreement may extend to other companies and sectors in the future.

China’s new parental subsidy program (¥3,600 annually per child under three) is set to launch in 2025. However, scammers are already exploiting the initiative, using deceptive tactics on social media to lure parents with fake notifications. WeChat warns against clicking suspicious links or downloading files from unsolicited messages, as they may contain malware granting remote access for data theft. Official application portals will be available in late August; verify information through official government channels.

A Chinese student, identified as Zeng, has gone viral on Chinese social media for her striking resemblance to Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun. The unexpected fame began after a commenter pointed out the similarity, prompting Zeng to create a video that quickly spread. Zeng stated she was unfamiliar with Lei Jun before this incident. While her daily life remains largely unaffected, her parents are reportedly thrilled with her newfound internet attention.

Viomi Technology (VIOT) anticipates H1 2025 revenue exceeding RMB 1.4 billion, a 70%+ year-over-year increase. This growth is fueled by strong sales of household water purification equipment, supported by Chinese government subsidies and increasing consumer demand for cleaner water. CEO Xiaoping Chen cites disciplined execution and rising health consciousness as drivers for long-term growth. However, the results are preliminary and unaudited, and reliance on subsidies presents a potential risk.

A driver in Lianyuan, China, attempted to evade police after a traffic stop by throwing 20,000 yuan ($2,760 USD) in cash at them. The intoxicated man scattered the bills while fleeing on foot, hoping to create a distraction. Police teams pursued the suspect, secured the money, and maintained order. He was apprehended, his blood alcohol level was significantly over the limit. He faces fines, license revocation, and potential criminal charges.

A Chinese national, Zhang Shuqing, who owns a significant stake in Ounajima Island near Okinawa, Japan, intends to increase her holdings. Currently controlling 720 out of over 900 ownership rights, she initially gained attention for purchasing the 700,000-square-meter island. Zhang has no immediate development plans, considering leaving it to her children. A helicopter landing pad is under construction for company retreats. Described as therapeutic with excellent diving and camping, the uninhabited island once housed Ryukyu limestone extraction settlements and features wild goats and coral reefs. The closest point to mainland China is approximately 700 kilometers.

NVIDIA’s H20 AI chip, designed for the Chinese market, faced export restrictions but received conditional clearance in mid-July, requiring a 15% revenue remit to the U.S. government. Despite this, H20’s future in China is uncertain. NVIDIA defends its H20 exports, emphasizing the U.S.’s need to compete with China in AI and avoid repeating the 5G situation where it lost its leadership position. They believe U.S. AI can become the global standard if the U.S. actively participates in the competition.

A man in Liaoning Province reported withdrawing two 100-yuan banknotes from an ATM that he suspected were counterfeit after failing to deposit them. The ATM flagged the bills as problematic. Bank employees also couldn’t deposit the bills. However, the bank clarified that the banknotes were not counterfeit but demagnetized. ATMs are sensitive to demagnetized currency, which the bank replaced for the customer. Demagnetized currency remains legal tender.

The U.S. maintains a strict stance on AI chip exports to China, particularly regarding advanced technology like Nvidia’s “Blackwell” chip. Former President Trump opposes its sale to China, citing national security concerns and the potential for accelerating Chinese AI development. He believes the U.S. holds a significant technological advantage in chip design. Nvidia’s CEO is expected to discuss export licenses, highlighting ongoing negotiations. While some argue restricting access could spur indigenous Chinese chip development, the U.S. aims to limit China’s access to cutting-edge AI capabilities.