Or maybe just those manufacturers doing their online shopping and accidentally bought those kind of comprised chips.
Yes, you can actually buy the similar looking chip on Taobao.com by searching HHM1523C1[0] or HHM1526[1]. Some vendors even claims the chips they're selling are "Imported, 100% legit".
And, of course there can be another interpretation: We (China) bugged your server, because you (the U.S.) bugged ours first.
The water is so muddy right now, maybe wait for more information?