SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Diya TV) — Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into reports that CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation, raising questions about national security, corporate oversight and the leadership of one of the world’s most valuable technology companies.
The company’s board of directors announced Sunday that an independent committee, assisted by outside legal counsel, will examine the allegations. The investigation follows reporting by The New York Times and the Financial Times that U.S. intelligence agencies believed Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman with ties to Nvidia’s advanced chip business, had been recruited to gather information for Beijing. Alice Huang and Jensen Huang are not related.
According to NBC News, a person familiar with the matter said U.S. intelligence agencies had determined that Alice Huang was a Chinese spy and that she had a relationship with the Nvidia CEO.
The reports identified Alice Huang as a former executive of Megaspeed International, a Singapore-based data center company that purchased Nvidia’s advanced chips. The New York Times reported that U.S. intelligence concerns about the relationship reached senior government officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Nvidia said it has no reason to believe national security or company secrets were compromised but emphasized that the investigation would examine all available information.
Huang acknowledged personal misconduct in a memo to employees, admitting that he had been unfaithful to his wife. He apologized to his family, colleagues and shareholders, while reaffirming his commitment to the company.
In a separate letter published by Nvidia, Huang said he would cooperate fully with the investigation. He also described his interactions with Alice Huang as business-related, previously telling Bloomberg that their dealings involved Megaspeed and were normal.
China has rejected the allegations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Monday that the accusations were unsubstantiated and amounted to an attempt to smear the country. Chinese state media have also questioned the timing of the reports, suggesting they could complicate improving U.S.-China relations.
The controversy comes as Nvidia remains at the center of tensions between Washington and Beijing over access to advanced artificial intelligence technology. The company produces some of the world’s most sought-after AI processors, but U.S. export restrictions have limited sales of its most advanced chips to China.
Huang has repeatedly lobbied the Trump administration to ease those restrictions, arguing that American companies should remain competitive in the Chinese market. President Donald Trump recently approved sales of Nvidia’s H200 processors to China, although Beijing has restricted purchases of the chips.
The allegations have also attracted congressional attention. Republican leaders on the House Select Committee on China requested a briefing from Huang last week, citing concerns about whether sensitive American technology or information may have been exposed. Three Republican committee chairmen are also seeking a closed-door briefing with Huang following the investigation’s announcement.
Trump, meanwhile, publicly defended the CEO on Sunday, describing him as an honorable person who had done an outstanding job for the United States. Rubio declined to comment on the matter, citing its sensitive nature.
The uncertainty has begun to affect Nvidia’s stock. Shares fell nearly 5% in premarket trading Monday, potentially wiping out approximately $230 billion in market value. The company was valued at nearly $4.5 trillion at Friday’s close.
The situation also highlights Nvidia’s dependence on Huang, who co-founded the company in 1993 and has led it ever since. Nvidia has no publicly identified successor, creating significant leadership risk for a company whose market value and broader AI investment outlook are closely tied to its CEO.
Despite the controversy, Nvidia has maintained that Huang will continue leading the company without interruption. A spokesperson said the investigation would not slow the company’s operations as it prepares to report its latest quarterly earnings on Nov. 17.
