Nvidia's board of directors announced Sunday that it is launching an independent investigation following reports that CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a Chinese spy operation, after Huang admitted in a company message that he had an affair with Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based chip company Megaspeed. The board action and personal admission follow congressional scrutiny that began last week, when House Republican committee chairs requested a briefing from Huang by November 11 and Sen. Chris Coons pledged an investigation after reports surfaced of Huang's relationship with an alleged Chinese intelligence operative.
Multiple news outlets reported that Alice Huang was recruited by Chinese intelligence officials to influence Jensen Huang's position on U.S. chip export policy toward China. A memo circulating among U.S. policymakers earlier this year claimed that Alice Huang had been recruited by China's Ministry of State Security to spy on Nvidia's CEO. The New York Times and Financial Times reported she was specifically tasked with convincing him to lobby U.S. officials to allow exports of advanced chips to China, and the Financial Times also reported that the two had a romantic relationship.
In his message to the company, Jensen Huang acknowledged the affair without mentioning Alice Huang by name. He wrote that he was unfaithful to his wife and that his actions hurt her and their children, adding that he had fallen short of his responsibility to the company. He told colleagues and the board that they deserve better from him.
The board said in its announcement that it has no reason to believe that either national security or company secrets were compromised. The investigation will be conducted by independent directors working with outside legal counsel. The board stated that Huang fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with it, and that it has confidence in Huang and his leadership team.
Nvidia produces chips central to advanced artificial intelligence development, a technology priority for the Trump administration as it seeks to maintain a competitive edge over China. Reports indicate Nvidia chips have reached Chinese companies despite export restrictions. Nvidia had previously denied that Jensen Huang's relationship with Alice Huang was anything beyond a typical business contact and said no sensitive information was shared. The Chinese government has also denied involvement.