US tech giant Nvidia has begun an investigation following claims its CEO Jensen Huang had a relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.
Nvidia is one of the world's largest companies making cutting-edge computer chips that power emerging AI technologies. The company said its board had no reason to believe that its secrets or national security had been compromised.
According to the New York Times, US intelligence officials believed that Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, who had a intimate relationship with Jensen Huang, was a spy for China's Ministry of State Security.
Jensen Huang has admitted to having been "unfaithful" to his wife and apologised for hurting her and their children. He said he took "full responsibility" for what he did and had fallen short of his responsibilities to Nvidia's employees, board and shareholders. He said: “I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry."
His statement continued: "Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, Nvidia's Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. I support the investigation and will cooperate fully. I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America's national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American."
Nvidia's board of directors said it would begin an investigation in "light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort". It continued: "The Board prioritises US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of Nvidia and its shareholders.
Alice Huang is linked to Singapore-based data centre firm Megaspeed. Nvidia is a central player in AI infrastructure, providing chips to leading AI model developers including OpenAI and Meta. The microchip manufacturer is worth some $4.5 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable companies.
China has previously rejected allegations of an espionage operation targeting Nvidia's chief, describing the claims as “groundless speculation”.
However 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. It remains unclear what information Alice Huang - who is also known as Huang Le - allegedly passed to Beijing, how valuable it was, or when she is believed to have begun gathering intelligence.
