# Nvidia Chips Fuel China's AI Models

> Export-banned Nvidia chips power China's top AI models, sparking US-China tech tensions.
- Title: Nvidia Chips Fuel China's AI Models · TechCrunch | Shortify
- Summary: Export-banned Nvidia chips power China's top AI models, sparking US-China tech tensions.
- Keywords: nvidia, blackwell chips, us export controls, china ai models, jensen huang, megaspeed, alice huang, h200 chips, us intelligence, epoch ai, malaysia data centers, TechCrunch
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/13/export-banned-nvidia-chips-are-behind-chinas-most-powerful-ai-models-uh-oh-jensen
- Author: Tim Fernholz
- Published: 2026-11-13T18:40:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nvidia, blackwell chips, us export controls, china ai models, jensen huang, megaspeed, alice huang, h200 chips, us intelligence, epoch ai, malaysia data centers, technology
## US Export Controls Target China
US government restricts Nvidia chips from shipping to China.
## Nvidia Blackwell Chips in China
Chinese AI models trained on Nvidia Blackwell GPUs despite export bans.
## Jensen Huang's Personal Scandal
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang left company after admitting affair with Alice Huang.
## Alice Huang's Role in Smuggling
Alice Huang, Megaspeed executive, allegedly smuggles Nvidia chips into China.
## US Intelligence Confirms Chip Use
US intelligence sources confirm Moonshot AI used export-banned Nvidia chips.
## Malaysia Data Centers
Chinese firms use Malaysia data centers to access Nvidia chips legally.
## Chip Smuggling Allegations
Megaspeed linked to smuggling Nvidia chips to Shanghai data centers.
## Stockpiled H200 Chips
600,000 H200 chips stockpiled in Hong Kong awaiting shipment to China.
## US Government Scrutiny
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faces potential job loss over chip export investigations.
## Key takeaway

China's most powerful AI models use Nvidia Blackwell chips banned by US export controls, with potential corporate liability for Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.