As Trump Heads to Xi Meeting, Nvidia Fallout Looms Over China Tech Talks
Huang’s influence on Trump
At key moments during his second term, Trump has asked about Huang during economic speeches and diplomatic dinners. The Nvidia leader had impressed the president with his business success and his case for keeping China dependent on U.S.-made semiconductor chips and technology.
Huang’s argument was that such dependence could help preserve U.S. dominance over Beijing. He has been an influential voice in Trump’s views on technological competition with China.
A meeting without Huang
Trump is set to meet Xi in Shenzhen this week during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering. Huang is not expected to be alongside the president for the trip.
The absence comes as Trump has indicated he does not intend to confront Xi over U.S. intelligence findings concerning a Chinese spy who targeted Huang.
Departure after revelations
Huang stepped down from his role at Nvidia last week after revelations that he had engaged in affairs. One involved Alice Huang, whom U.S. intelligence officials believe is an asset of Beijing.
Key points
- Trump is traveling to Shenzhen to meet Xi during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering.
- Jensen Huang is not expected to accompany Trump on the China trip.
- Huang had argued that U.S. chip exports could keep China dependent on American technology.
- Huang left his Nvidia role after revelations about affairs, including one with Alice Huang.