Singapore-based data centre firm Megaspeed also launches internal probe over former executive Alice Huang
WASHINGTON: Nvidia is investigating allegations involving its chief executive Jensen Huang and a Chinese businesswoman suspected by US intelligence officials of spying for Beijing, according to media reports.
The New York Times reported last month that US intelligence agencies believed Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed, was acting on behalf of the Chinese government.
The newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported that US agencies had monitored the businesswoman’s communications with a US citizen, later identified as Jensen Huang through a process known as unmasking.
Alice Huang, who is not related to the Nvidia chief executive, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Megaspeed said its current leadership was taking the matter seriously and had commissioned an internal investigation by external legal advisers.
The company has also come under scrutiny over its purchases of Nvidia chips. Reports said Megaspeed had bought $4.8 billion worth of the company’s chips over the past two years, making it one of Nvidia’s largest customers in Southeast Asia.
US authorities had investigated the company last year over allegations that it helped Chinese firms circumvent export restrictions to obtain Nvidia chips.
What are the allegations against Jensen Huang?
The New York Times reported that US intelligence officials suspected Alice Huang of working for Beijing and had been monitoring her activities.
The investigation reportedly identified communications between her and a US citizen, whose identity was subsequently established as Jensen Huang.
The allegations have renewed attention on Washington’s concerns over China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology.
Nvidia is a leading supplier of artificial intelligence chips used by major technology companies, including OpenAI and Meta.
The United States has restricted exports of advanced Nvidia chips to China since 2022, citing national security concerns and the potential military applications of high-performance computing technology.
How have Trump and China responded?
US President Donald Trump said he had not spoken to Jensen Huang since the allegations emerged but described the Nvidia chief as an honourable person.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said Huang was a fine person who had done an incredible job.
China has rejected the espionage allegations, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun previously describing the reports as baseless speculation intended to smear the country.
The allegations have also attracted attention on Chinese social media, where discussions about Huang’s reported personal relationship with Alice Huang have gained traction.
Several Chinese media outlets have reported on the controversy without highlighting the espionage allegations, while some social media users have questioned whether the claims are politically motivated.
Nvidia has become a central player in the technology competition between Washington and Beijing, as both countries seek to strengthen their positions in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.