Nvidia spy scandal intensifies US debate on China chip exports

A controversy involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's personal relationship is intensifying a US political debate over advanced chip exports to China, with lawmakers calling for tighter restrictions amid a national security inquiry. The inquiry follows allegations that Alice Huang, a former Megaspeed executive with whom Jensen Huang had an affair, was a Chinese intelligence agent. Nvidia's board has launched an investigation, and the FBI is also examining the matter, while China's foreign ministry has denied the claims as groundless. The controversy has bolstered advocates of export controls, who cite it in pushing for legislation like the AI Overwatch Act and Chip Security Act. Jensen Huang has long lobbied against restrictions, arguing China's AI progress makes wider US chip sales beneficial, though the outcome could shift Washington's policy balance.