China Calls a New York Times Report of a Spy Plot Targeting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Groundless Speculation
BREAKING: China has denied allegations of spy operation targeting Nvidia CEO, per BBC
Context
The dispute lands in the middle of the fight over which AI chips Nvidia may sell to China, and could shape how Washington views Nvidia's ties to Chinese customers.
On October 29 The New York Times reported that US intelligence officials concluded a Chinese executive linked to Singapore data center firm Megaspeed was passing information to Beijing and had built a close relationship with Jensen Huang. The US has limited exports of Nvidia's most advanced chips to China since 2022.
Deep dive
Unusual Whales posted on Friday that China has denied allegations of a spy operation targeting Nvidia's CEO, citing the BBC.
The BBC reports that Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular briefing on Friday that the report is based on groundless speculation and is nothing more than an attempt to smear China.
The allegations come from The New York Times, which reported on Thursday that US intelligence officials believe Alice Huang, an executive linked to Megaspeed who is no relation to Jensen Huang, was gathering information for Beijing. According to the BBC, the Times said she was under investigation over the possible diversion of advanced Nvidia AI chips to China and had developed a close relationship with Jensen Huang. It remains unclear what information she allegedly passed on. The claims rely on unnamed sources and have not been confirmed publicly by US officials.
Nvidia spokesman John Rizzo said Jensen Huang's interactions with her are not unusual or unexpected, and that customers like Megaspeed receive ordinary business information, not trade secrets, and zero information relevant to national security. Nvidia also said smuggling allegations involving Megaspeed were thoroughly investigated and debunked last year. Megaspeed has appointed outside legal advisers, and ABC News reports President Trump was briefed on the matter but has taken no action.
What to expect next
Watch whether US officials or Congress respond, and whether the episode affects pending decisions on Nvidia chip sales to China. Any action involving Megaspeed or new rules on chip sales through third countries would be the clearest sign of consequences. Further reporting may also show what information, if any, was passed on, and whether the US government confirms the account given to The New York Times by unnamed officials.