// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
China denies allegations of spy operation targeting Nvidia CEO
Nvidia chief Jensen Huang reportedly developed a close relationship with Singaporean businesswoman Alice Wang
China has rejected allegations of a Chinese espionage operation targeting Nvidia's chief executive, Jensen Huang, describing the claims as "groundless speculation".
US intelligence officials believe that Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman linked to Singapore-based data centre firm Megaspeed, was gathering information for Beijing on the US chip-making giant, according to a report by The New York Times, external.
The report said Alice Huang, who is of no relation to Jensen Huang, was under investigation over the possible diversion of advanced Nvidia AI chips to China and had developed a close relationship with Jensen.
Nvidia said their interactions were routine business engagements, while Beijing accused Washington of attempting to smear China. Alice Huang did not respond to the paper's request for comment.
The BBC has contacted Megaspeed and the White House for comment.
US intelligence agencies had been monitoring Alice Huang and concluded that she was acting on behalf of the Chinese government, according to unnamed sources cited by The New York Times.
Surveillance reportedly revealed communications between Alice Huang and an American citizen, who was subsequently identified as Jensen Huang through a process known as "unmasking".
It remains unclear what information Alice Huang - who is also known as Huang Le - allegedly passed to Beijing, how valuable it was, or when she is believed to have begun gathering intelligence.
At a regular briefing on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: "The report in question is based on groundless speculation and is nothing more than an attempt to smear China."