Hannah Kobayashi Found, CNN Fact-Check, Pho Latte
Welcome to Issue 3 of Rebel Yellow!
This week’s highlights:
Hannah Kobayashi’s safe return from Mexico sparks debates on privacy and public trust in large-scale searches.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s Vietnam visit showcases the country’s growing AI role and cultural pride.
Vietnamese coffee’s global rise thrives on viral trends, creative flavors, and sustainability.
She disappeared for a month. Now, people want answers.
Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old creative from Hawaii, has been found safe in Mexico after having been missing for a month, her family confirmed on Wednesday. While the news brings a sense of much-needed relief to her loved ones, it raises new questions on the harrowing search that involved cryptic clues, public scrutiny and personal tragedy.
What happened
To make sense of these questions, we look back at events from early November, when Kobayashi left home for New York:
Nov. 8: Kobayashi arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Maui but missed her connecting flight to New York City. Surveillance footage captured her leaving the airport with her luggage.
Nov. 9: Kobayashi was spotted at the Taschen bookstore at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles around noon. Later that evening, she made two Venmo payments — one to a “Veronica Almendarez” and another to a “Jonathan Taylor,” which is believed to be for a tarot reading.
Nov. 10: Kobayashi’s family received alarming text messages suggesting financial and identity theft concerns. She attended a Nike event at The Grove that afternoon and posted a photo to Instagram before turning off her phone.
Nov. 11: Kobayashi returned to LAX, collected her luggage and purchased a bus ticket to San Diego. Video footage showed her with an unidentified man at Pico Metro station, though authorities later confirmed he had no ill intent. That evening, she crossed into Mexico at the San Ysidro border alone.
Nov. 12: Kobayashi’s family filed a missing person’s report, initiating a widespread search.
Nov. 24: Tragedy struck when Kobayashi’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide near LAX after weeks of leading the search for his daughter.
Dec. 2: Los Angeles police reclassified her case as a “voluntary missing person” after reviewing Customs and Border Protection footage of her crossing into Mexico. Despite this, her family continued to insist she was in danger.
Dec. 11: The family released a statement through their attorney, Sara Azari, announcing that Kobayashi has been found safe in Mexico.
Desire to disconnect
The Los Angeles Police Department maintained that their investigation uncovered no evidence of foul play or criminal activity. Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized Kobayashi’s right to privacy, telling reporters, “She has a right to her autonomy, and we respect her choices. However, we understand the deep concern of her loved ones.” Investigators revealed that Kobayashi had expressed a desire to disconnect from modern technology before her disappearance, framing her actions as consistent with a planned retreat rather than an abduction.
The Kobayashi family’s relief is tempered by the emotional toll of the ordeal. “This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family,” Kobayashi’s mother, Brandi Yee, and sister, Sydni Kobayashi, said in their statement. They thanked volunteers and supporters who aided in the search while requesting privacy to heal from the trauma, compounded by the loss of Ryan Kobayashi.
Public reaction, meanwhile, has been mixed. Some criticized Kobayashi’s family for continuing their search after authorities deemed her disappearance voluntary. Others sympathized with their persistence, recognizing their determination to find her. There have also been allegations of a green card marriage scam, further complicating public perception.
“Was it worth it?”
Now that Kobayashi has been located, questions remain about the circumstances that led her to Mexico and her intentions during her time away. So far, her family has not disclosed her current location or the events of the past month. Further investigation may focus on clarifying her financial and social interactions in the days leading up to her disappearance.
Kobayashi’s Instagram page — which remained live throughout her disappearance — is now inundated with demands for answers. “It’s great that Hannah has been found safe, but I feel like when you involve the public on a national level, including monetarily, you don’t get to say ‘please respect our privacy,’” one user commented. “The public deserves to know what actually happened.” Another user sought a straight answer: “Was it worth it babe?”
Whether Kobayashi decides to make a public response remains to be seen. Rebel Yellow has reached out to her for comment.
In the meantime, her family has begun to offer refunds to those who helped raise nearly $50,000 for their search. Those who would like to retrieve their donation can submit a claim until Dec. 18.
Why China’s antitrust probe into Nvidia is worth watching
China’s decision to launch an antitrust investigation into leading U.S. chipmaker Nvidia marks a significant development in the escalating tech and trade war between the world’s two largest economies. The move comes amid U.S. restrictions on advanced chip sales to China, signaling Beijing’s intent to counter Washington’s measures and assert its own regulatory authority.
Driving the probe
At the core of the investigation is Nvidia’s 2019 acquisition of Mellanox Technologies, an Israeli networking company specializing in high-speed data transmission. Approved by China in 2020 under conditional terms, the deal required Nvidia to maintain fair and non-discriminatory access to Mellanox’s technologies in the Chinese market. Regulators now allege that Nvidia may have breached these commitments.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has not provided detailed evidence, but it cites potential violations of the country’s anti-monopoly laws. The investigation could lead to fines of up to $1 billion, representing 10% of Nvidia’s China revenue, or even more if the violations are deemed blatant.
Zoom out
The investigation aligns with broader geopolitical tensions. In recent years, the U.S. has imposed successive rounds of export restrictions aimed at curbing China’s access to advanced chip technologies critical for AI development and military applications. Nvidia, which holds a whopping 70-95% of the global AI chip market, has been a focal point of these measures, particularly after the Biden administration banned the export of its high-end GPUs like the A100 and H100 to China.
China has responded by restricting the export of rare earth minerals such as gallium and germanium — essential for chip production — and has invested heavily in its domestic semiconductor industry. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that the investigation could serve as a strategic tool to “strengthen China’s bargaining position in the ongoing U.S.-China geopolitical conflict.” He added that the case may also linger for over a year, allowing China to leverage it as part of a broader strategy to counter U.S. sanctions.
Why this matters
Nvidia’s shares dipped by 2.6% following the news, a modest reaction considering its stock’s meteoric rise of nearly 200% this year. China reportedly accounts for only 5% of Nvidia’s data center revenue, and its most advanced chips are already restricted from sale in the country. However, the long-term implications could be more significant as similar investigations or restrictions may arise, potentially disrupting the company’s global supply chain and strategic planning. Here’s why we’re watching the probe:
It puts other U.S. businesses in China at a similar risk: The investigation underscores the growing risks for U.S. companies operating in China. As Beijing leverages regulatory tools in its strategic competition with Washington, firms like Intel, Qualcomm and Micron have faced similar scrutiny. For Nvidia, the probe may compel a re-evaluation of its operations in China, including potential adjustments to pricing, bundling practices and supply chain management. Other U.S. businesses should therefore view the Nvidia case as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need to navigate an increasingly volatile regulatory environment. Some experts believe it could mark a turning point where political risk becomes a central consideration for U.S. corporations with Chinese operations.
Asian Americans with ties to China could face greater scrutiny, especially with Trump’s return: This development also holds particular significance for Asian Americans, many of whom are deeply engaged in the tech sector or maintain cultural and professional ties to Asia, particularly China. The U.S.-China tech rivalry, particularly under the first Trump administration, has exacerbated anti-Asian sentiments, with accusations of espionage and dual loyalty affecting professionals in both countries. Nvidia’s Chinese American CEO, Jensen Huang, embodies the contributions of Asian Americans to global innovation, but the geopolitical tensions risk overshadowing such achievements. Furthermore, as the U.S. and China decouple in critical sectors, Asian Americans may find themselves navigating complex identity politics, caught between their roles as global citizens and their affiliations with nations locked in conflict.
The big picture
China’s antitrust investigation into Nvidia is more than a regulatory maneuver — it is a geopolitical chess move in a broader contest for technological supremacy. For Nvidia, the stakes extend beyond financial penalties to questions of market access and global leadership in AI. For U.S. businesses, the case highlights the growing complexity of operating in a decoupling world. And for Asian Americans, it serves as a reminder of the multifaceted challenges posed by the intersection of race, technology and geopolitics.
Ca phe craze: Is Vietnamese coffee ripe to take center stage?’

Long celebrated for its distinct aroma, rich flavors and cultural significance, Vietnamese coffee has steadily gained a loyal global following. Now, amid shifting consumer tastes and increasing concerns over climate change's impact on arabica cultivation, this beloved beverage is poised to further expand its influence. But can it truly take center stage in the global coffee industry?
This article dives into the latest social media trends, product innovations and environmental forces driving Vietnamese coffee's growing influence in the U.S. and beyond.
Coffee for the TikTok generation
This year has been a great year for Vietnamese coffee. Vietnam’s coffee exports reached record highs in 2024, totaling $1.38 billion in the first two months alone. This marks a 27.9% increase in volume and an 85% rise in value compared to 2023. February 2024 saw an unprecedented average export price of $3,276 per ton.
In the U.S., Vietnamese coffee shops and retailers are tapping into the growing popularity of Vietnamese coffee on social media, where viral TikTok and Instagram videos showcase how to recreate the beverage at home. These posts provide a platform for sharing recipes and creating a sense of community around Vietnamese coffee culture. This digital exposure has also led to wider acceptance of Vietnamese coffee, helping Vietnamese-owned brands to introduce their products to a broader American audience. Powerhouse coffee chains like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee have even started offering select varieties of Vietnamese coffee on their menu.
Pho latte, Yakult coffee, anyone?
Even Seattle’s coffee culture is getting a bold infusion of robusta, thanks to a wave of Vietnamese American entrepreneurs leading a Viet coffee renaissance. These innovators are taking the tradition of Vietnamese coffee to the next level by reinventing it with creative twists on classic recipes.
From iconic iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk to creamy yogurt coffee, these cafes celebrate tradition while pushing boundaries. At Voi Ca Phe, the pho spice latte blends the aromatic essence of Vietnam’s famous soup with a latte for a unique flavor experience. Cafe Phin takes yogurt coffee to new heights with its creamy and tangy concoction. Meanwhile, Hello Em highlights its house-roasted Vietnamese beans, offering a range of roast levels, including an intensely dark “hella dark” profile.
Exciting trends for the future
Vinny Nguyen, founder of Da Vien Coffee, shares his enthusiasm for the evolving landscape of Vietnamese coffee.
“There are so many exciting trends that make me hopeful for the future,” Nguyen tells Rebel Yellow. “I love that people are rediscovering traditional brewing styles, like the phin and egg coffee. The ready-to-drink coffee trend also feels like a great fit for Vietnamese coffee, especially iced coffee with condensed milk.”
Nguyen explains that as consumers become more adventurous, they're embracing bold flavors. “Robusta's strong, distinctive taste is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend,” he predicts. With growing concerns about sustainability, Nguyen says he is delighted that Vietnamese coffee producers are increasingly prioritizing ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
Looking ahead, Nguyen is optimistic about the future of Vietnamese coffee: “In the U.S., I think it will continue to carve out a unique niche in the specialty coffee world. As interest in global coffee
cultures grow, I see it gaining more recognition worldwide. I’m excited to see new products and
innovations in the future, and I think cultural education will be key in helping more.”
What’s next for Vietnamese coffee
Rising temperatures and shifting climates are making it increasingly difficult to cultivate arabica coffee in traditional growing regions. Global Change Biology warns that climate change could cut arabica coffee production in half by 2088.
In contrast, robusta coffee, especially the Vietnamese variety, is more resilient, thriving in diverse climates and altitudes with less maintenance. Its higher caffeine content makes it naturally pest-resistant and its higher yield makes it a more sustainable option than arabica.
For Miss Coffee founder Daisy Dinh, this presents an opportunity for Vietnam to redefine the global coffee narrative. “Vietnam's robusta beans offer a viable path forward, providing a reliable and sustainable coffee supply without compromising on flavor or quality,” she notes. “By embracing innovation and adapting accordingly for the future, Vietnam can become a global leader in the specialty coffee market.”
This is the 3rd and last part of our series on Vietnamese coffee. Part 1 on Monday covers its rich history, while Part 2 on Wednesday charts its rise and features some of the entrepreneurs championing the beloved drink.
Jensen Huang tries Hanoi’s beef pho during trip to hype Nvidia’s big bet on Vietnamese AI
Nvidia President and CEO Jensen Huang visited one of Hanoi’s oldest and most famous pho restaurants during a business trip to Vietnam last week to highlight the country’s potential in becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence. Located at 49 Bat Dan Street in the Old Quarter neighborhood, Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan has been serving its traditional pho made from a family recipe passed down for over 70 years.
Huang and his group of around 20 people arrived at the restaurant on the morning of Dec. 5. The tech mogul, whose net worth is estimated to be around $120 billion, ordered a bowl of Hanoi-style flank beef noodle soup with fried dough sticks. Hanoi’s northern pho features rice noodles, stock and beef slices with simple garnishes like green onions and cilantro, offering a much simpler flavor profile derived from the beef. Meanwhile, the southern variant, such as ones found in Saigon, has more emphasis on toppings like basil, mint and bean sprouts, giving it a wider range of flavors.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also joined Huang and other Nvidia executives in exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter to sample street food and beer. Their orders included boneless chicken feet marinated in lemongrass and chili, nem tai (ear spring rolls) and nem chua ran (fried spring rolls). During his tour, Huang praised the country’s “rich culture, beautiful people and great cuisine.”
Huang visited Vietnam to mark the founding of Nvidia Vietnam, a research and development center focused on artificial intelligence, software and system technologies. In a statement, Huang commended Vietnamese people’s excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, particularly in math and science, noting that Vietnam is the “second largest supplier of software engineers in the world — a fact that few people know about.” He added, “With this potential, we believe that Vietnam is an ideal place for NVIDIA to develop R&D centers and build a strong AI ecosystem here.” This was Huang’s second visit to the Southeast Asian country following his trip in December 2023.
CNN claimed China recently unblocked OnlyFans. Not true, internet freedom org tells Rebel Yellow
OnlyFans, a popular subscriber-based website that features sexually explicit content, is now officially blocked in China, GreatFire, an anonymous organization that monitors internet freedom in the country, told Rebel Yellow. A CNN report on Dec. 5, which has since been edited, suggested that the website was accessible in the country after it was “quietly” unblocked on Nov. 29 after being previously blocked by the government. However, when Rebel Yellow sought clarification, GreatFire co-founder Charlie Smith (a pseudonym) said their data indicates that “OnlyFans has always been accessible in China” and that the block only happened after, “and perhaps because of,” the news report.
Smith explained that his group’s data shows OnlyFans was accessible in China from July 12, 2020, when they first began testing it, until Dec. 10, 2024. “We do not agree with online censorship, but since the early days of the internet in China, the authorities have always said that they regard pornographic websites to be harmful material, which is why they block them. This is one of the few areas where the authorities provide transparency on their censorship practices,” he said.
The ruling Chinese Communist Party has banned all pornographic material since taking control in 1949. Individuals caught producing, distributing or selling pornography — whether in video, magazine or audio format — may face punishments ranging from fines, public surveillance or imprisonment for up to 10 years. In more severe cases, the punishment can extend to life imprisonment.
As for why or how OnlyFans evaded China's strict censorship for so long, Smith hypothesizes that a website must reach a certain level of popularity before it gets censored. A pornographic website “that has zero users in China might never get blocked,” he said. Regarding OnlyFans, Smith believes it has always received traffic from China and that censors have likely noticed it but had not banned it because “sometimes this comes down to the willingness of individual censors to actually and actively add websites to the blocked list.” Smith added that in this case, “perhaps a censor — and others in the chain of command — disobeyed instructions to block the website when they discovered they were not the only fan.”
A burglary ring targeting Asian Americans is probably coming to a town near you
Asian American business owners in the town of Colonie in Albany, New York, were the targets of a recent string of burglaries. The Colonie Police Department issued a warning after three homes on Central Avenue, Albany Shaker Road and Watervliet Shaker Road were burglarized in recent weeks. Colonie PD Lt. Anthony Sidoti told WNYT that the victims had “large amounts of cash and jewelry” at their homes. Authorities believe a coordinated group conducted surveillance on the victims, studying their routines for days and striking when the owners were away. In some cases, the burglars also broke into the victims’ cars.
In response to the series of burglaries, the Colonie PD has increased patrols around Asian American establishments and urged the public to report suspicious activity to the Capital Region Crime Stoppers. Rebel Yellow’s requests to the Colonie PD for more information were unanswered by the time of this writing.
High-tech and sophisticated burglaries conducted by organized groups targeting Asian Americans have come at a dizzying pace in 2024, with cases being reported across multiple states, such as in New Hampshire, Colorado, Texas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington and Massachusetts.
The enduring legacy of Iris Chang's "The Rape of Nanking"
December 13 marks the 87th anniversary of the start of the Nanjing Massacre. Iris Chang's 1997 bestseller, "The Rape of Nanking," shocked the Western world with its graphic depiction of the brutal atrocities committed by the Japanese military during the six-week period between December 1937 and January 1938.
The book detailed the mass murder, torture and sexual violence inflicted upon the Chinese people in Nanjing, the former capital of China. Based on years of painstaking research, it documents the slaughter of an estimatead 300,000 Chinese civilians and the systematic rapes of up to 80,000 women. Using first-hand accounts, diaries and survivor testimonies, Chang's work confronted the long-standing silence surrounding the massacre. Twenty-five years after its publication and 20 years after Chang’s tragic death at the age of 36, her book remains a pivotal work in shedding light on the massacre, helping to establish its place in global historical consciousness.
Xiao Chua, a historian and professor at Manila’s De La Salle University, emphasizes that Chang’s book serves as a powerful force for positive change. “When you remember the past, you will fight harder for it not to happen again,” Chua told Rebel Yellow.