China

BYD’s Zhengzhou Speedway opening highlighted China’s dominance in NEV technology. CAIC rankings show Chinese companies, particularly BYD, leading in new energy, hybrid, and pure electric patent authorizations. BYD’s R&D (over 120,000 employees, averaging 45 daily patent filings) drives innovation, including the Blade Battery and advanced hybrid tech. This technological prowess fuels BYD’s sales, with significant domestic and overseas growth, solidifying China’s rising influence in the global NEV market.

A recent report indicates a decline in the popularity and sales of mechanical parking systems in China since 2020. Developers are losing interest due to user-unfriendly designs, difficulty parking modern wider vehicles, and lack of maintenance leading to damaged or unsafe systems. While policies mandate parking spaces, they don’t require mechanical systems, which are often used by developers solely for compliance. The industry is urged to improve R&D and competitiveness, as user satisfaction with fully automated systems highlights mechanical parking’s potential with better execution.

China honored Luan Enjie, the first chief commander of its Lunar Exploration Program, with the “Touching China 2024” award. Luan, instrumental in the Chang’e missions, expressed his dedication to further space exploration, stating the “Chinese people’s footsteps will extend further.” The Lunar Exploration Program is China’s third major space endeavor. His contributions, including the naming of asteroid “Luan Enjie Star,” are a testament to China’s advancements. Despite personal sacrifices, Luan affirms his commitment to the space industry, highlighting China’s ambition in space exploration.

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.