Hot topics on the Chinese internet on August 2025
Here is a summary of hot topics on the Chinese internet over the past month (late July to late August 2025), based on trending news and events:
1. Technological Advancements and AI Governance
China’s tech achievements were a major focus. The successful launch of the Satellite Internet Low-orbit Satellites via the Long March 8A rocket from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site was highlighted. Alongside this, there’s a significant push in AI development and governance. The State Council issued the “Opinions on Deepening the ‘AI+’ Action”, aiming for deep integration between AI and six key sectors by 2027, with next-gen smart terminals and intelligent agents achieving over 70% adoption. This aligns with global trends, as the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish a new global AI governance mechanism. Domestically, initiatives like AI Doubao’s minor protection mode and upcoming “AI ingredient” labels for online content reflect efforts to manage AI’s influence responsibly.
2. Major Events and National Initiatives
- The 12th World Games in Chengdu: This international event spurred a nationwide “Clear and Bright · Chengdu World Games Network Environment Management” campaign. This initiative targeted online chaos like false information, regional discrimination, malicious damage to the host city’s image, and impersonation of official accounts, with numerous websites and accounts penalized.
- Energy and Infrastructure: The National Energy Administration announced that China has built the world’s largest electric vehicle charging network, a key achievement of the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, with a ratio of 2 charging piles for every 5 EVs. Progress on major projects like the Chiangmen Neutrino Experiment – now the world’s first ultra-large, ultra-high-precision neutrino-specific large-scale scientific instruments in operation – was also reported.
3. Cultural Tourism and Urban Development
Summer tourism and cultural activities flourished:
- Beijing’s “Beijing Style” Competition: A citywide campaign celebrating Beijing’s culture went viral. Themes like “Ancient Capital’s New Charm” and “Fashionable Vitality” spurred creative public participation, especially on short-video platforms. This involved AR experiences on the central axis, light shows at Jingshan Park, and renewed interest in hutongs, blending tradition with modernity.
- Summer Travel Trends: Jinan gained prominence as a top domestic short-trip destination, ranking 8th for its “spring culture + surrounding tours”. Northeast China, including Jilin Province, successfully marketed its “22°C Summer” brand as a cool summer retreat, attracting visitors with ecological tourism and diverse experiences.
- Film and Culture: The 20th Changchun Film Festival showcased China’s growing film industry, with efforts like the “Film in Jilin” mechanism enhancing the local cinematic environment.
4. Economic and Consumer News
Several economic stories garnered attention:
- Oil Price Adjustment: A reduction in domestic gasoline and diesel prices meant savings for consumers, e.g., about 7 yuan less to fill a 50L tank with 92-octane gasoline.
- Corporate Performance: Zhang Yue Technology’s 2025 interim report revealed its short drama business became its largest segment, with related derivative revenue surging 149.09% year-on-year to 838 million yuan, despite an overall net loss.
- E-commerce Dynamics: Temu resumed its direct shipping service for goods from China to the U.S., giving it stronger control over merchants. Reports also noted Chinese e-commerce apps’ significant investment in user acquisition, accounting for 85% of iOS platform spending globally.
5. International Relations and Diplomacy
High-level diplomatic engagements were covered, such as President Xi Jinping and his wife meeting with Cambodia’s King and Queen Mother in Zhongnanhai and receiving Russian State Duma Chairman Volodin in Beijing. Furthermore, Japan’s negative comments about China’s “September 3rd military parade” prompted a serious diplomatic concern from China, urging Japan to confront its history of aggression with an honest attitude.
6. Social Governance and Public Interest
Beyond the Chengdu Games campaign, other public welfare measures were noted. For instance, Tianqiao District in Jinan added 4,770 new school seats across six new schools to alleviate educational pressure. Additionally, China’s first 8K space-featured film “Outside the Window is a Blue Star” began presales, generating public interest.
This period showcased a blend of national pride in technological and infrastructural achievements, vibrant cultural expressions, ongoing economic shifts, and proactive social governance.
