Alice Huang Helped Secure $7.5B in Nvidia Chips for China, Report Says
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Alice Huang helped secure about $7.5 billion in Nvidia chips for China through a network of companies, including shipments of restricted processors, according to The Information.
The network helped move an estimated 240,000 restricted chips into China, predominantly H100 and H200 processors, The Information reported on Wednesday.
Huang reportedly intervened when orders stalled, invoking her access to Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang and suppliers. The companies involved included Singapore-based Megaspeed, its Malaysian subsidiary Speedmatrix and Chinese data-center operator Shanghai Century Litong, according to the account.
Based on the report, Megaspeed imported an estimated $4.6 billion in AI chips from 2023 through 2025, while another $2 billion went through Speedmatrix. Shanghai Century Litong also obtained GPUs from other suppliers. It received Nvidia preferred cloud partner status in October 2023, helping it obtain scarce hardware.
The allegations add scrutiny to the distribution channels supplying Chinese AI developers despite US export restrictions. Washington tightened its advanced-chip controls in October 2023, building on restrictions introduced a year earlier. The changes targeted technical workarounds and purchases through overseas subsidiaries of Chinese companies. US officials said the measures sought to limit China’s access to computing technology with military applications.
Megaspeed has previously denied illicit chip transfers. Singapore authorities said in late October that they were investigating the company, while specifying that Alice Huang herself was not under investigation there, according to the Associated Press. Beijing has also rejected allegations that she worked for Chinese intelligence.
Nvidia’s board has opened an investigation into Jensen Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang. In announcing that inquiry, directors expressed confidence in the CEO and said they had no reason to believe national security or company secrets had been compromised. The reported shipment allegations do not establish that Jensen Huang knowingly authorized export-control violations.
Nvidia shares fell 5.47% to close at $168.89 on Tuesday, following a 4.27% decline the previous session, amid scrutiny of the relationship and the company’s response.
