Banned Chinese university buys H200 chips
Procurement documents reviewed by Reuters show that Northwestern Polytechnical University in China, which is on the U.S. entity list, purchased two Nvidia H200 accelerators through a local supplier for about $123,000. The investigation also identified five parallel arrangements through which the university leased advanced computing capacity from Chinese firms.
US disagreement over pursuing Nvidia chip smuggling
Axios reported that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick repeatedly slowed down a proposed crackdown on companies suspected of diverting restricted Nvidia processors to China, citing people familiar with high-level government discussions. Reuters carried the report, noting that there was no immediate comment from the White House or a spokesperson for the secretary.
Nvidia board considers ousting Jensen Huang
The Wall Street Journal reported that Nvidia’s board of directors was preparing to meet on November 11 to discuss potentially replacing founder and CEO Jensen Huang, a development reported by Reuters without official confirmation from the company. This move comes amid reviews concerning alleged personal relationships, coinciding with an 8% drop in the company’s stock in after-hours trading.
US lawmakers request briefing from Nvidia CEO
Three top Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have asked Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to provide a classified congressional briefing on November 18 regarding security and counter-espionage protocols. The request follows a New York Times report concerning dealings with a Chinese businesswoman at Singapore-based Megaspeed.
US export restrictions hinder SK Hynix plans
An exclusive Reuters report revealed new complications facing South Korea-based SK Hynix’s proposed investment plans in New York through its subsidiary Solidigm, which could exceed $45 billion. These obstacles stem from delayed approvals and US licenses related to the group’s manufacturing operations in China.
Nvidia CEO clarifies relationship with Megaspeed
In an interview with Bloomberg, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized that his company’s dealings with Singapore-based Megaspeed International are normal and unexceptional. Huang’s remarks followed a New York Times report stating that a former executive at the Singaporean firm is under US investigation over suspected espionage for China.
Malaysian customs seizes unauthorized AI servers
Malaysian customs authorities have revealed the seizure of 30 server units containing advanced artificial intelligence chips in the free trade zone at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, with the shipment valued at approximately 49.5 million Malaysian ringgit, equivalent to $12.11 million USD. Officials explained that the shipment was declared as ordinary electronic components and was prepared for re-export within Asia without obtaining the required authorization.
Taiwan files charges against employees for smuggling Nvidia servers to China
Taiwanese prosecutors have formally indicted nine individuals, including employees from Nvidia and Super Micro, for involvement in illegally exporting and smuggling advanced artificial intelligence servers to China, Hong Kong, and Macau by falsifying shipping documents.
Huawei chairman thanks US for chip export restrictions
Huawei’s rotating chairman has publicly thanked the United States for its semiconductor export restrictions, arguing that the sanctions played a crucial role as a catalyst in accelerating China’s drive toward self-reliance.
Trump administration takes 15% cut of Nvidia and AMD chip sales
Nvidia and AMD have agreed to unusual deals granting the Trump administration a 15% cut of AI chip sales to China, deepening their ties with the U.S. government and raising questions about the future of tech export policies.