Nvidia scandal could strain US-China trade truce ahead of Trump-Xi meeting

The Nvidia scandal involving CEO Jensen Huang may test the fragile US-China trade truce, analysts say, as Washington lawmakers push for tighter semiconductor export controls ahead of President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Shenzhen next week. The controversy stems from a New York Times report linking Huang to a Chinese businesswoman suspected by US intelligence of passing information to Beijing, prompting Nvidia's board to launch a probe. Huang admitted to infidelity but denied espionage knowledge, while Beijing dismissed the allegations as smears. Congressional pressure has intensified, with lawmakers demanding investigations and a closed-door briefing scheduled for November 18. Trump has publicly defended Huang, calling him an "honourable guy," and plans to bring him on his Asia trip. Analysts note Trump may resist congressional pressure to preserve his rapport with Xi, though some predict he could distance himself if the scandal becomes politically costly. The outcome may influence future export control decisions and US-China relations.