Beijing has strongly rejected claims of a "Chinese spy" operation linked to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's extramarital affair, accusing American media outlets of fabricating a misleading narrative. State-run newspaper The Global Times warned that such speculative reports could damage bilateral relations between the US and China.
The nationalist tabloid criticized US media, particularly The New York Times, for "going crazy" with reports connecting Beijing to Huang's private life. "All it took were a few photographs showing Asian faces and Nvidia’s previous efforts to push for relaxing trade curbs on China," the newspaper stated in a commentary, asserting that this is how American media "manufacture stories."
Beijing Calls for Evidence, Warns Against "Anti-China Script"
The Global Times suggested that an "anti-China script" is often deployed when US-China relations show signs of improvement, alleging efforts to "stir up confrontation" without providing specific evidence. It cautioned that this approach could disrupt normal technology and trade exchanges, harming both nations.
The newspaper underscored that Jensen Huang's affair is primarily a private matter for him and an internal affair for the US. It urged that any investigation, including one by Nvidia's board, should adhere strictly to facts and present solid evidence, rather than relying on media-driven "pre-written anti-China script."
Chinese Foreign Ministry Dismisses Allegations
Earlier, on October 30, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun had already dismissed a New York Times report alleging Huang was targeted in a spy plot as "unsubstantiated." Guo Jiakun stated, "It is nothing but smears against China."
Jensen Huang Admits Affair Amid Investigation
Jensen Huang, 63, has admitted to an affair with Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang (also known as Huang Le), who US intelligence officials suspect was involved in a foreign intelligence operation. Alice Huang is not related to the Nvidia chief and was previously associated with Megaspeed, a Singapore-based data center company under scrutiny for suspected links to China's access to restricted advanced AI chips.
In a message to his employees, Huang issued an apology to his wife and children, acknowledging, "There is no excuse for what I did." He also took responsibility for the potential impact on Nvidia's employees, board, and shareholders.
Nvidia’s board of directors has launched an independent investigation, to be conducted by independent directors with external legal counsel. Huang has pledged his full cooperation. The board affirmed it has no current reason to believe that US national security or the company’s trade secrets have been compromised.
Broader Impact and Political Reactions
The controversy has introduced further uncertainty for Nvidia, whose market value, estimated at $4.5 trillion, has recently faced pressure amidst a broader technology sector sell-off. Republican lawmakers have called for a congressional briefing from Huang regarding the allegations.
Conversely, US President Donald Trump defended Huang, describing him as an "honourable guy" who has performed an "amazing job" for the country.