US Lawmakers Probe Nvidia Founder Over Alleged China Spy Links

US lawmakers are intensifying scrutiny of Nvidia founder and Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang following reports that a Chinese businesswoman under investigation for suspected intelligence activities had a close relationship with him.

The development has raised concerns in Washington about possible exposure of sensitive technology information and the security implications of Nvidia’s business dealings involving China.

According to a Reuters report, House Republican leaders have requested a closed-door briefing from Huang to discuss the allegations and the company’s security procedures against foreign espionage.

The request was made in a November 4 letter signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, China Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar and Intelligence Committee Chairman Eric Crawford.

The lawmakers requested that Huang appear before them on November 18 to address questions arising from a report by The New York Times.

The report alleged that Alice Huang, a former executive of Singapore-based company Megaspeed, had a close relationship with the Nvidia chief executive and passed information to Beijing.

US authorities have reportedly scrutinised Megaspeed over suspicions that it helped China obtain access to advanced artificial intelligence chips restricted from export.

The lawmakers said the allegations raised significant national security concerns and stressed the need to establish whether sensitive American technology or information had been exposed.

Nvidia has pushed back against suggestions that its routine business interactions involved the disclosure of sensitive information.

The company said Huang speaks with thousands of customer executives annually and maintained that ordinary business discussions do not involve Nvidia trade secrets or information connected to US national security.

The congressional scrutiny comes amid wider debate in Washington over restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports to China and efforts to prevent the diversion of restricted artificial intelligence chips.

Lawmakers are also considering additional measures to strengthen oversight of chip exports and improve the tracking of advanced processors.

The allegations against Huang have not been established as proven wrongdoing. The requested congressional briefing is expected to provide lawmakers with an opportunity to seek further explanations from the company.