New York City, 29 October

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was allegedly targeted by a Chinese intelligence spy who developed a close relationship with him and passed information to Beijing, according to a New York Times report.

US intelligence agencies reportedly identified the Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le. Huang was a senior executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed and was reportedly investigated over suspected attempts to divert advanced Nvidia AI chips to China. 

President Donald Trump was reportedly informed about it a year ago but took no action, the report said. Jensen Huang also attended a White House state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping last month. Nvidia has pledged $25 million towards Trump’s proposed White House ballroom.

Nvidia spokesperson John Rizzo said Huang’s interactions with the executive were routine, adding that customers received no sensitive trade secrets or national security information. Nvidia had previously investigated Megaspeed and dismissed chip-smuggling allegations. China’s embassy rejected the claims as groundless smears.