In 2024, a Taipei bar photo showed Alice Huang next to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang; what US intelligence says happened next

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently admitted that he had an affair with a Chinese spy. He said he was unfaithful to his wife, and stated that he backs the investigation and is committed to "supporting America's national security." According to US media reports, Huang had a close relationship with alleged Chinese spy Alice Huang. It was also reported that Alice had been under surveillance by US intelligence agencies. Meanwhile, the Chinese government issued a statement and said the claims are nothing more than a "smear intended to malign China."

The 2024 Taipei bar photograph

It still remains unclear when Alice Huang first met Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. It also remains uncertain how long their affair lasted. But, according to media reports, she was first photographed sitting with him in June 2024. This was at a bar in Taipei. Both were seen drinking with executives from Gigabyte and NetThunder. Megaspeed had also begun a multibillion-dollar purchase of advanced AI microchips at that time, according to a New York Times report.

They were later seen together outside a Taipei restaurant. Alice Huang was seen standing behind the Nvidia executive as he spoke to reporters. Megaspeed's dealings with Nvidia had also attracted attention from the US by then.


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What did US intelligence reveal

According to the New York Times, US intelligence assessments concluded that Alice had been recruited by China's Ministry of State Security (MSS). She was allegedly given the role of developing a close relationship with Jensen, and gathering information about Nvidia. It was reported that China wanted information about Nvidia's advanced AI chips and business strategy.

US President Donald Trump was also briefed about the suspected operation around a year before the allegations became public.

Meanwhile, an investigation will be overseen by a committee of independent directors in the case. They will reportedly be assisted by outside legal counsel. Nvidia has also said that they have no reasons to believe that secrets about the company or national security have been compromised.