China’s internet regulator has instructed leading technology companies to suspend purchases of Nvidia’s artificial intelligence chips and rescind existing orders, as part of Beijing’s intensified drive to lessen dependence on U.S. technology, according to a Financial Times report.
U.S. restrictions on advanced chip exports to China, imposed by successive administrations, have led Chinese authorities to strengthen efforts urging domestic firms to shift away from American technology providers—impacting industry giants such as Nvidia.
The directive follows China’s recent allegations accusing Nvidia of violating anti-monopoly laws, further escalating tensions in its ongoing trade dispute with Washington. However, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation did not elaborate how the company allegedly breached the country’s laws.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, the Financial Times reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) this week ordered companies including ByteDance and Alibaba to halt the testing and purchasing of Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chips.
This new ban surpasses previous regulatory guidance, which had focused on Nvidia’s earlier H20 model designed specifically for the Chinese market.
Reuters had previously reported that Nvidia’s RTX6000D, its latest AI chip for China, had received a muted reception, with some major Chinese tech firms deciding not to place orders. According to the news agency’s sources, they found the chip is not cost-effective.
The Financial Times also noted that several companies had signaled plans to procure tens of thousands of the RTX Pro 6000D and had begun validation with Nvidia’s server suppliers, but ceased these activities following CAC’s directive.
