Nvidia to investigate CEO Jensen Huang's relationship with possible Chinese spy

The board of directors of US chipmaker Nvidia said on Sunday that it is launching an independent investigation following reports that CEO Jensen Huang was the target of a Chinese espionage operation. Nvidia makes chips central to artificial intelligence development, so the possible targeting of its chief executive matters amid the US-China competition in the field.

The company also published a message from Huang to employees in which he admitted to an affair with Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based chip company Megaspeed, though he did not name her. A memo circulated among US policymakers earlier this year claimed she had been recruited by China's Ministry of State Security to spy on Nvidia's chief.

"I owe my family and all of you an apology," Huang wrote. "I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did." He added that he had "fallen short" of his responsibility to the company and told colleagues, partners and shareholders that they deserve better.

The board's position

The board said it has "no reason to believe" national security or company secrets were compromised. It said Huang fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating, and that the board has confidence in him and his leadership team. Independent directors will conduct the investigation with outside legal counsel.

In response to earlier reports, Nvidia had said the pair's interactions were "not unusual" and that the company does not share classified information with customers.

Wider context

Chips, especially Nvidia's, have become a major focus of the AI race between the United States and China. Huang also appears to have a close relationship with President Donald Trump, who has championed the AI industry. Other companies involved in the AI boom have warned employees to be wary of possible spies, including those offering sex or romance.