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China denies allegations of spy operation targeting Nvidia CEO

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The scrutiny centers on Alice Huang, who is not related to Jensen Huang, following an investigation reported by The New York Times regarding potential chip diversion. Nvidia clarified that all engagements between the executives were standard commercial interactions that involved no trade secrets or national security materials. Company spokesman John Rizzo noted that earlier accusations alleging Megaspeed smuggled chips were formally investigated and debunked last year. Megaspeed has since engaged outside legal counsel to conduct an internal review and expressed complete readiness to assist American authorities.

Key points

  • The United States continues to scrutinize international corporate networks to enforce exp…: The United States continues to scrutinize international corporate networks to enforce export controls established in 2022 on advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors.
  • Nvidia maintains that interactions with Alice Huang were entirely standard business discu…: Nvidia maintains that interactions with Alice Huang were entirely standard business discussions that did not compromise sensitive trade secrets or national security.
  • Beijing dismissed the espionage reports as groundless speculation intended to advance a s…: Beijing dismissed the espionage reports as groundless speculation intended to advance a smear campaign orchestrated by authorities in Washington.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

China has rejected allegations of a Chinese espionage operation targeting Nvidia's chief executive, Jensen Huang, describing the claims as "groundless speculation".

US intelligence officials believe that Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman linked to Singapore-based data centre firm Megaspeed, was gathering information for Beijing on the US chip-making giant, according to a report by The New York Times, external.

The report said Alice Huang, who is of no relation to Jensen Huang, was under investigation over the possible diversion of advanced Nvidia AI chips to China and had developed a close relationship with Jensen.

Nvidia said their interactions were routine business engagements, while Beijing accused Washington of attempting to smear China. Alice Huang did not respond to the paper's request for comment.

The BBC has contacted Megaspeed and the White House for comment.

US intelligence agencies had been monitoring Alice Huang and concluded that she was acting on behalf of the Chinese government, according to unnamed sources cited by The New York Times.

Surveillance reportedly revealed communications between Alice Huang and an American citizen, who was subsequently identified as…

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