Nvidia CEO tours China during Beijing antitrust probe, AI curbs

NVIDIA CEO Embarks on Trip to China Amid Investigations and Trade Restrictions

CEO’s Visit to China Amidst Controversy

NVIDIA chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, is set to visit China this week, visiting major cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing, according to sources familiar with the matter. The trip comes at a sensitive time for the company, as it faces investigations and trade restrictions from both the US and China.

US-China Tech Conflict

The US has recently imposed new limits on the sale of advanced AI chips by NVIDIA and its peers, a move that the company has criticized, warning it will harm American competitiveness. This development is part of the broader US-China tech conflict, which has been escalating in recent years.

Antitrust Investigation in China

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have launched an antitrust investigation into potential allegations of antitrust violations, involving a four-year-old acquisition that previously received Beijing’s blessing. The investigation could impact NVIDIA’s business in China, which is already constrained by preexisting US restrictions on top-end AI training chips.

CEO’s Travel Plans

Huang, one of the busiest CEOs on the international speaking circuit, may still choose to alter his plans. It is also unclear if he will meet with Chinese officials during the trip. Huang, who was born in Taiwan, will also visit Taipei for a similar purpose later this week.

NVIDIA’s Business in China

NVIDIA has shown interest in expanding its business in the world’s second-largest economy. The company made US$5.4 billion in China and Hong Kong in the quarter ended October, according to company filings. NVIDIA has also hired hundreds of more employees in China in 2024 to enhance research capabilities in primarily autonomous driving technologies, Bloomberg News reported last month.

NVIDIA’s Response

Nvidia representatives declined to comment on the matter.

Conclusion

The CEO’s visit to China comes at a challenging time for the company, with investigations and trade restrictions from both the US and China. However, NVIDIA’s commitment to expanding its business in China is evident, and the company’s recent investments in the region demonstrate its interest in the market.

FAQs

Q: Why is NVIDIA’s CEO visiting China?
A: The CEO is visiting China for employees’ annual Chinese New Year celebrations and to visit several major cities, including Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing.

Q: What is the reason for the US restrictions on AI chip sales?
A: The US has imposed new limits on the sale of advanced AI chips by NVIDIA and its peers, citing concerns about American competitiveness.

Q: What is the nature of the antitrust investigation in China?
A: The investigation involves a four-year-old acquisition that previously received Beijing’s blessing, and could impact NVIDIA’s business in China.

Q: Will the CEO meet with Chinese officials during the trip?
A: It is unclear if the CEO will meet with Chinese officials during the trip.