NVIDIA has opened an official and independent investigation to look into the background of reports suggesting that its CEO, Jensen Huang, was targeted by potential Chinese intelligence efforts, following reports published by The New York Times and the Financial Times indicating connections to a woman suspected of working for Chinese intelligence.
NVIDIA issued an official statement clarifying that a committee of independent board members, supported by external legal counsel, will directly oversee the investigation. The board emphasized that the national and economic security of the United States is a top priority for the company's interests and its shareholders, while noting that there are currently no indications that national security or company secrets have been compromised, while pledging to thoroughly examine all available information.
Background of the Reports and Press Investigations
The details of the story date back to late last October when The New York Times published a report stating that Jensen Huang had developed a close relationship with a woman named Alice Huang (no relation), whom U.S. intelligence agencies identified as a Chinese intelligence operative. Subsequently, reports indicated that Alice Huang holds an executive position at the Singapore-based company Megaspeed, which is considered a major buyer of NVIDIA chips, and that she was recruited by China's Ministry of State Security to gather intelligence on the CEO.
Internal Confirmation and Company Measures
In a later development, Jensen Huang admitted to a personal relationship (an extramarital affair) in an internal memo addressed to company employees on Sunday, coinciding with NVIDIA's public confirmation of the independent investigation steps. The company affirmed that Huang fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating fully with it, expressing the board of directors' complete confidence in his leadership and his management team, and pledging to provide further updates as new developments become available.