Nvidia Board Opens Probe Into CEO Jensen Huang and Chinese Businesswoman

The board of directors at Nvidia, a major manufacturer of artificial intelligence chips, announced on Sunday that it is launching an internal investigation. The inquiry follows media reports detailing a close relationship between company chief Jensen Huang and Alice Huang, a Chinese national. The two are not related.

The New York Times published a series of articles over the past two weeks alleging that Jensen Huang was the target of a Chinese intelligence operation. The operation allegedly sought to move advanced Nvidia AI chips to China. According to the report, Alice Huang ran a Singapore-based firm that bought nearly $5 billion worth of Nvidia chip technology. The reporting suggests her business helped China bypass U.S. export limits on powerful AI chips.

Times reporter Ana Swanson described Alice Huang as a businesswoman who had a mysterious and rapid rise. She noted that the two were photographed together at a bar and at dinner in Taiwan after industry events. The photos showed them with other suppliers and executives.

NPR contacted the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., but did not receive a response as of the latest reporting.

In a statement, the Nvidia board said it had no reason to believe that national security or company secrets were compromised. The board stated that its inquiry will examine all available information. The company noted that it has dominated the global market for AI chips in recent years after starting as a graphics chip maker.

Jensen Huang sent an email to employees on Sunday. He acknowledged the relationship and apologized for being unfaithful to his wife. He said he supports the investigation and will cooperate fully. He also wrote that he is committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America's national security.

Last week, three Republican members of Congress sent a letter to Jensen Huang. They requested that he brief lawmakers about the relationship and the company's security protocols against foreign adversary espionage. Nvidia has seen explosive growth recently, and its leader has appeared in public with President Trump on several occasions. The company is helping fund the construction of a new ballroom at the White House.