Chinese AI firms seek overseas Nvidia capacity after CEO scandal raises US curbs fear

Chinese AI companies are rushing to rent Nvidia-powered computing capacity at data centres outside China, fearing a scandal involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang could prompt Washington to tighten restrictions 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. The scandal stems from Huang's admission of infidelity, with reports linking the woman to alleged Chinese intelligence ties, which China denies. The situation has also spurred grey-market stockpiling of restricted Nvidia chips in China, amid fears of broader US crackdowns on smuggling.