China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday rejected allegations that a Chinese intelligence operative was involved in a controversy surrounding Nvidia Corp, according to a report from Xinhua.
Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a regular press briefing on November 9 in response to questions about reports that Nvidia’s board had launched an independent investigation into Huang following his admission of an extramarital relationship with a woman allegedly linked to Chinese intelligence.
“The so-called ‘Chinese spy’ allegation is purely unsubstantiated and directed at smearing China,” Guo said.
The controversy follows a report by The New York Times, which cited a U.S. intelligence assessment alleging that Alice Huang, a Chinese national and former executive at Megaspeed, an Nvidia customer, may have supplied information to China’s ruling party as an intelligence asset.
According to the report, Alice Huang had a documented relationship with Jensen Huang, who subsequently acknowledged an extramarital relationship in an email to Nvidia employees on Sunday.
In the message, the Nvidia chief expressed regret over his actions, saying he had fallen short of his responsibility to colleagues, the company’s board, partners and shareholders. He also reaffirmed his commitment to Nvidia and pledged to regain their confidence.
Nvidia’s board has initiated an independent investigation into the allegations, with a committee of independent directors working alongside external legal advisers to oversee the review.
The investigation is intended to examine all available information concerning the allegations. However, the board said it had no grounds to conclude that Nvidia’s confidential information or U.S. national security had been compromised.
Guo’s latest comments mark Beijing’s direct response to the controversy, as allegations surrounding Huang’s personal relationship have raised broader questions about potential foreign intelligence activities and information security at the U.S. chipmaker.
