US intelligence monitored Nvidia CEO over alleged China chip leaks

US intelligence agencies gathered significant information about a Singapore-based data-center executive suspected of funneling advanced Nvidia artificial-intelligence chips to China, according to The New York Times. The official, identified as Alice Huang or Huang Le, is a Chinese citizen and senior executive at Megaspeed, a data-center company headquartered in Singapore.

Intelligence officials concluded that Huang passed information to Beijing and served as a channel for information leaks to the Chinese capital. They had previously suspected she helped China bypass restrictions on access to advanced AI chips, but the discovery that she directly relayed information to Beijing caused further concern.

“The discovery that someone with direct access to Mr. Huang was briefing Beijing caused alarm in the White House.”

Huang developed a close relationship with Jensen Huang, Nvidia's chief executive and adviser, who is one of the most powerful figures in the artificial-intelligence revolution and an important ally of President Trump. The two share a common Chinese surname but have no known family connection.

The revelation that someone with direct access to the Nvidia chief was briefing Beijing caused alarm in the White House, particularly because Jensen Huang knew Trump's views on an issue of vital importance to both countries. Washington has long sought to prevent China from acquiring technology that could allow it to catch up with or surpass the United States in the global race for AI dominance.

President Trump was briefed on the findings roughly one year ago but chose not to take action. According to sources, he appeared hesitant to disrupt Nvidia's chip sales, which contribute to the US economy and stock market, and to further complicate trade relations with China.

The White House, CIA, and National Security Agency declined to comment on the matter. The report was based on interviews with people briefed on the surveillance and other officials, industry executives, and analysts who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified and had not previously been disclosed.