Nvidia CEO called to brief on Chinese allegations

Three House Republican committee chairs have summoned Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for a private briefing regarding alleged ties to Alice Huang, a woman who is accused of spying for China. This request marks an intensification of the scrutiny directed towards the CEO concerning his relationship with Alice Huang. According to The New York Times, Jensen Huang and Alice Huang were rumored to have had a close relationship.

Furthermore, President Trump was reportedly briefed by intelligence officials on this relationship and the accusations that Alice Huang was a spy, but decided not to take any action. The Wall Street Journal later reported that officials from at least three countries raised concerns about Alice Huang potentially leaking sensitive information to the Chinese government, including details on Nvidia chips.

Nvidia has refuted these allegations, stating that Jensen Huang and Alice Huang's interactions were merely routine business dealings. The Chinese government has also dismissed the claims, labeling them as "groundless speculation."

The summons come from Reps. Brian J. Mast (R-Fla.), John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), who sent a letter to Jensen Huang on Thursday. They requested a joint briefing with the Foreign Affairs, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and the Select Committee on Intelligence. The letter asserts concerns over Nvidia's protocols to safeguard against foreign adversaries and inquiries about Jensen Huang's interactions with Alice Huang.

The letter emphasizes that the issue of the People's Republic of China's infiltration and access to sensitive U.S. technology and information is a central focus for the three committees this Congress. It stresses the importance of Congress determining the extent to which U.S. national security has been jeopardized. Nvidia's spokespersons were not immediately available for comment on the House request.

In an earlier statement to CNBC, they reiterated that Jensen Huang has routine business contacts and does not provide them with national security information.