China says US exploiting spy allegations to justify technology curbs

Detailed summary

China accuses Washington of using espionage allegations as a pretext for restricting Chinese technology, amid scrutiny of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

China on Thursday rejected what it called the US “Chinese spy narrative”, insisting that its technological progress was driven by independent innovation and international cooperation rather than espionage.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing in Beijing amid reports that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang could be removed following allegations of extramarital affairs, including one involving Alice Huang, a woman suspected of links to Chinese intelligence.

“The United States should stop fabricating the so-called Chinese spy narrative as a pretext for imposing technology restrictions,” Mao said.

“China’s scientific progress relies on independent innovation and open cooperation,” she added.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Nvidia's board was preparing to oust Huang following reports of two extramarital affairs.

The newspaper said the board was expected to meet as early as on Wednesday, US time, to discuss his future.

The New York Times separately reported that Huang had an affair with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of healthcare.

Huang has previously acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife, while Nvidia's board is investigating whether he was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

Asked whether the controversy could affect an expected meeting between the Chinese and US presidents next week, Mao said Beijing had already made its position clear on what it described as the Chinese espionage narrative.

Opening of the article, excerpted from TRT World. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.