Chinese AI firms rush to secure Nvidia chip capacity overseas amid US export fears

Chinese AI companies are rushing to rent Nvidia-powered computing capacity at overseas data centres, fearing a scandal involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang could prompt stricter US export controls on remote access to advanced processors. A major Chinese cloud provider has discussed locking in overseas Nvidia chip capacity, while smaller AI labs are approaching data-centre operators in Southeast Asia. The firms worry the controversy could boost the Remote Access Security Act, a US bill passed by the House that would regulate cloud-based access to restricted technology. Huang admitted to infidelity on Sunday, with reports linking him to Alice Huang, a former executive allegedly tied to Chinese intelligence, a claim China denies. The scandal has also spurred grey-market stockpiling of Nvidia chips in China amid fears of broader US crackdowns on smuggling.