China

China’s electronic information manufacturing sector saw an 11.1% year-over-year increase in added value in H1 2025. While mobile phone production declined, smartphone and IC output rose. Exports grew overall, with IC exports surging 20.6% to 167.8 billion units. Revenue reached 8.04 trillion yuan, up 9.4%, and profits totaled 302.4 billion yuan, a 3.5% increase. The profit margin also improved, indicating increased sector efficiency.

China’s CAC is implementing a “license-and-display” system for online news, requiring platforms like Tencent and Douyin to identify licensed providers. Over 13,500 public accounts now display a red “V” insignia. The CAC aims to regulate online content, cracking down on illegal activities while potentially incentivizing licensed accounts with traffic support. Websites and platforms are also visibly displaying licensing information as part of this initiative.

A *People’s Daily* commentary questioning the security of Nvidia’s H20 chip has sparked debate over potential “tracking” and “remote shutdown” vulnerabilities. Nvidia denies any “backdoors,” but China seeks verifiable proof of security, emphasizing cybersecurity’s importance. U.S. legislation, the “Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act,” proposes tracking advanced chips to prevent illegal diversion. Experts believe regulatory scrutiny targets potential risks associated with Nvidia’s products, aiming to ensure their security before widespread adoption in China. Verifiable evidence from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is needed to alleviate concerns.

At the China Digital Entertainment Congress (CDEC) in Shanghai, Huawei highlighted HarmonyOS 5 and its impact on the gaming industry. HarmonyOS now powers over 10 million devices, with over 6,500 HarmonyOS games available. Fueled by technological advancements and content integration, China’s game market is booming, generating significant revenue both domestically and overseas. HarmonyOS’s architecture, performance, and openness are promoting high-quality game development. Huawei is empowering developers with AI, interconnectivity, and optimized performance via the Ark Engine, also expanding globally and supporting mini-games, with 8 million registered developers.

Rumors circulated online suggesting Google would resume full services in mainland China on September 1st. However, Google’s official Weibo account quickly denied these claims, stating the information was “not true.” Google withdrew its search services from mainland China in 2010 but maintains a presence with offices and an AI research center. In February 2025, China’s SAMR launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Google, potentially focusing on the Android ecosystem.

Beijing is allocating 69 billion yuan in special treasury bonds, the third batch dedicated to stimulating domestic consumption through trade-ins of consumer goods. A final tranche of 69 billion yuan is planned for October. The NDRC, along with the Ministry of Finance and Commerce, will oversee local governments to ensure matching funds and prevent price hikes or subsidy fraud. This initiative, building on a January program, offers subsidies for electronics upgrades, such as 15% discounts (up to 500 yuan) on smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches priced under 6,000 yuan.

Apple’s latest earnings report shows a rebound in iPhone sales in China, driving a 4.35% revenue increase in the Greater China region. CEO Tim Cook noted iPhone users in China are at an all-time high, crediting government subsidies. Apple also touts strong sales for Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch. The MacBook Air is reportedly the best-selling notebook and the Mac Mini the top desktop in China, with iPhone holding the top three smartphone spots.

A tech company employee, Li, exploited his position as account manager for a beer company’s marketing campaign to embezzle 6.5 million yuan ($900,000 USD). Li manipulated the system to generate fake winning QR codes, which he and his associates redeemed. The scheme, lasting over a year, was discovered after an audit revealed unusually high prize payouts. Li was found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to six years in prison with a 100,000 yuan fine.

The operator of “Sakura Anime,” a Chinese website illegally distributing Japanese anime, has been sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment and fined RMB 15,000 for copyright infringement and forging documents. The Chengdu Intermediate People’s Court upheld the original ruling after an appeal. The website allegedly disseminated over 2,100 anime series without permission, ignoring requests from licensed distributors to remove the content. The case highlights the fight against digital copyright infringement.

Khaby Lame, the world’s second-most-followed influencer with 259 million followers, has joined Weibo, launching his first video and generating considerable interest. Known for his signature silent comedy and deadpan reactions, Lame’s move follows other foreign influencers finding success in China, such as Kai Cenat. Lame’s team hints at plans for him to fully integrate into Chinese social media and potentially travel to China, signaling a strategic expansion into the lucrative market. Forbes estimates Lame’s annual income at $20 million.