Nvidia Investigates CEO Jensen Huang Over Alleged China Link
Nvidia's board launched an independent investigation on November 8 into CEO Jensen Huang after reports that he was the target of a Chinese intelligence effort. Huang apologized to staff for an affair, and China called the claims groundless speculation.
Nvidia's board of directors said on Sunday, November 8, 2026, that it is launching an independent investigation into co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang over reports that he was the target of a foreign intelligence effort by China. Nvidia investigates CEO Jensen Huang as the company, the world's most valuable, faces questions over his ties to a Chinese executive.
A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the review. The board said it had no reason to believe the company's secrets or national security were compromised.
What the allegations say
The allegations center on Alice Huang, a Chinese business executive. U.S. intelligence agencies believe she was an asset of China's Ministry of State Security, the country's main intelligence agency.
A report last month said U.S. authorities were investigating her. She is a former executive of Megaspeed, a Singapore-based company that buys AI chips from Nvidia. The report claims Jensen Huang had a close relationship with her.
She was previously a television reporter in China before becoming a top executive at Megaspeed, a data center company. Megaspeed has become one of Nvidia's biggest customers in Southeast Asia. According to that report, it bought more than $4.8 billion worth of Nvidia chips over the past two years.
The CIA, the NSA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Huang's message to staff
In a message to employees on Sunday, Huang admitted being "unfaithful" to his wife and apologized for hurting her and their children. He did not name the woman involved. "There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry," he wrote.
He said he had fallen short of his responsibilities to employees, the board and shareholders. He described himself as "fully committed to NVIDIA" and said he would work to earn back their trust.
On the investigation, Huang said in a statement: "I support the investigation and will cooperate fully." He added: "I am proud and grateful to be an American." A company spokesperson said he "fully supports the review" and remains committed to leading Nvidia.
Reaction
The board said it "prioritizes U.S. national and economic security," calling it paramount to the interests of Nvidia and its shareholders.
China has rejected the allegations of an espionage operation targeting Huang, describing them as "groundless speculation."
Asked about the matter on Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he could not comment, calling it an "internal corporate matter."
Nvidia is based in Santa Clara, California. The board has not said how long the investigation will take.
