United States (US) based tech giant Nvidia has launched an independent investigation after reports alleged that its CEO, Jensen Huang, had a relationship with a Chinese businesswoman whom intelligence officials suspected of spying for Beijing.
The company’s board of directors said that it had no reason to believe that the reported relationship had compromised Nvidia’s secrets or US national security.
However, it also stated that the investigation will examine all available information following reports that Huang had become the target of a foreign intelligence effort.
The New York Times (NYT) reported in late October that US intelligence officials believed Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman who had a close relationship with the Nvidia chief, was working as a spy for Beijing.
The publication also reported that US President Donald Trump received a briefing last year about the intelligence alleging her links to China.
In a separate statement, Huang acknowledged that he had been unfaithful to his wife and apologised for the impact of his actions on his family. He also added that he had fallen short of his responsibilities to Nvidia’s employees, board and shareholders.
“I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry,” Huang said.
Addressing the national security concerns raised in news reports, Huang said that Nvidia’s board had initiated an independent investigation and that he supported the process.
“Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, Nvidia’s Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. I support the investigation and will cooperate fully,” he said.
Huang also reaffirmed his commitment to the company and the US, saying that he was committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security.
“I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American,” he added.
In its statement, Nvidia’s board stated that it had launched the inquiry in light of reports that its founder and CEO had become the target of a foreign intelligence effort.
“The Board prioritises US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of Nvidia and its shareholders,” the statement said.
It added that the board had no reason to believe that either US national security or Nvidia’s secrets had been compromised, but said that the inquiry will examine all available information.
Huang has led Nvidia for more than 30 years. The company is among the world’s largest by value and plays a central role in producing hardware used in emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
Trump also addressed the reports while speaking to reporters on Sunday. Asked about Huang, he stated that he considered him a fine person but acknowledged that he could not know everything about what was happening.
When reporters asked whether he regretted not acting on the intelligence about Alice Huang when he received the briefing last year, Trump said that he did not.
“No, I don’t think so. I think he’s an honourable guy,” he said.
