China's State Security Ministry in spotlight after Nvidia CEO affair reports

China's Ministry of State Security has drawn international attention following reports that U.S. intelligence believes it recruited a businesswoman to gather information on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who admitted to an affair with her. The Financial Times and The New York Times reported this month that U.S. officials suspect the MSS recruited Alice Huang, who is not related to Jensen Huang, to collect information on the Nvidia chief. Jensen Huang acknowledged the affair over the weekend, though it remains unclear if sensitive information was shared. The MSS also recently questioned an acquaintance of Alice Huang about her business ties, following a Singapore probe into her company over chip-smuggling allegations. The MSS, established in 1983, has gained political influence under President Xi Jinping to strengthen protections against espionage and foreign infiltration. It operates separately from other Chinese security agencies but can collaborate with them, and has increased public outreach through social media since 2023.