Business/Alive News: China has rejected allegations that a Chinese businesswoman linked to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was working as a spy for Beijing. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called the claims baseless and described them as an attempt to damage China’s image.
The controversy follows reports that US intelligence agencies suspected the woman, identified as Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, of gathering information for China’s Ministry of State Security.
According to The New York Times, Alice Huang developed a close relationship with Jensen Huang. The two are not related. The allegations have not been independently established.
Nvidia Board Orders Independent Investigation
Nvidia’s board of directors has launched an independent investigation into reports that its CEO was targeted in a foreign intelligence operation. An independent committee, assisted by external legal experts, will examine the allegations.
The company said there was currently no reason to believe that confidential business information or US national security-related information had been compromised. Jensen Huang will cooperate with the investigation and continue as CEO.
Huang Apologises Over Personal Relationship
In a letter to Nvidia employees, the 63-year-old executive admitted being unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family and colleagues. He also said he accepted responsibility for his actions and would cooperate fully with the board’s review.
Who Is Alice Huang?
According to media reports, Alice Huang previously worked as a television reporter in China before becoming a senior executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed.
The company reportedly purchased more than $4.8 billion worth of Nvidia chips over the past two years. US authorities have also examined concerns about the possible transfer of restricted AI chips to China.
US Leaders and Lawmakers React
US President Donald Trump said he had not heard of Huang doing anything wrong and expressed support for him continuing as Nvidia’s CEO.
Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren called for Huang and Nvidia’s board to answer questions before Congress. Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul also raised concerns about China’s alleged intelligence activities and called for restrictions on advanced AI chip exports until the investigation is completed.
The controversy has added to existing tensions between Washington and Beijing over advanced artificial intelligence technology.
