Nvidia CEO's China ties draw scrutiny amid US chip export tensions

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is under scrutiny over his ties to President Trump amid tensions over US efforts to restrict China's access to advanced AI chips, with a board probe launched following reports of his relationship with a Chinese businesswoman accused of spying. The Nvidia board launched its investigation after a New York Times report linked Huang to Alice Huang, a former Megaspeed executive US intelligence believes passed information to the Chinese government. Democratic Senator Chris Coons called for a probe into whether national security was compromised, while House Democrats urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to halt advanced AI chip exports to China. Huang has cultivated a close relationship with Trump since 2025, including flying with him to China and attending a state dinner for Xi Jinping. Trump said the FBI is investigating the affair, adding he believes Huang's denial, while China's foreign ministry called the accusations groundless. Nvidia shares closed over 4 per cent lower on Monday.