by CHEN Xiaotong
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang is back in China for the third time this year—once again clad in his signature black leather jacket, despite the 35-degree summer heat in Beijing.
Two photos of Huang alongside Xiaomi founder and CEO LEI Jun surfaced online on July 14. In one, the two smile in front of a traditional Chinese building; in another, they flash a thumbs-up beside a Xiaomi electric vehicle.
Huang's visit comes as Nvidia prepares to make its debut at the China International Supply Chain Expo, which runs from July 16 to 20 in Beijing. State broadcaster CCTV has reported that Huang will attend and host a media briefing during the event, though the company has not issued an official confirmation.
According to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), more than 230 companies are set to join the expo for the first time, including Nvidia. CCPIT vice chairman YU Jianlong highlighted the strong international turnout during a June press conference.
Huang has been visibly ramping up Nvidia's engagement with China this year. In January, he visited Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai, attending a company gala, dancing with employees, and handing out red envelopes. He returned in April to meet with CCPIT chairman REN Hongbin, reiterating the company's commitment to the Chinese market.
Huang and Lei Jun share a long-running rapport. At the 2013 launch of Xiaomi's Mi 3 smartphone, Huang joined Lei on stage to introduce Nvidia's mobile chip, declaring, "I'm a Mi fan too!" to cheers and laughter from the crowd.
