U.S. lawmakers push to curtail China’s access to AI chips in response to Nvidia scandal

Résumé détaillé

Allegations about CEO Jensen Huang’s ties to a Chinese spy have intensified scrutiny of the world’s leading AI chipmaker

U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday renewed calls for tighter restrictions on China’s access to advanced AI chips, after allegations about Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s ties to a Chinese spy intensified scrutiny of the world’s leading AI chipmaker.

The push boosts congressional efforts to strengthen export controls on a technology that is critical to AI development.

The U.S. and China are racing to build superior AI models, and U.S. officials for years have tried to limit China’s access to Nvidia’s chips to slow the country’s progress. Huang is accused of having a romantic relationship with a Chinese spy, according to The New York Times, prompting lawmakers to call for stronger restrictions on China’s access to the company’s chips.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday called on Congress to pass the AI Overwatch Act, which would give Congress power over advanced chip exports; the Chip Security Act, which would require businesses to track their chips to combat smuggling; and the Match Act, which would push U.S. allies to restrict sending more chipmaking equipment to China.

China defiant over Nvidia spying allegations ahead of Trump-Xi meeting

House China Committee Chairman John Moolenaar, a Republican, said in a statement that restrictions on chip exports should be included in the U.S.’s annual military spending bill. The sweeping legislation determines everything from how many ships, aircraft and missile systems are bought to a pay raise for the troops to how to address geopolitical threats.

Schumer also said Congress must have a full accounting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s defence of Huang.

“He’s supposed to protect America, not China, not his friends. Trump has been busy trying to defend Jensen Huang when he ought to be defending our national security,” Schumer said.

Trump on Monday said the FBI was looking into allegations that Huang had a relationship with a Chinese spy, and said he supports him.

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