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BBC Audio | The Documentary Podcast | The Global Story: Why the Nvidia scandal is bigger than one tech CEO’s affair

BBC News •
November 12, 2026 • 05:54 PM
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Are China’s AI ambitions turning into an espionage war?

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China appears determined to acquire America’s most advanced computing technology – but how far might it go to get it?

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has resigned after publicly acknowledging having an affair, amid reports raising questions about whether the woman involved had links to Chinese intelligence. Nvidia’s board said it has no reason to believe company secrets or national security have been compromised, though it’s launched an independent investigation into the matter. The revelations have also raised broader questions about China’s longstanding efforts to acquire American technology, including through espionage.

On The Global Story, host Asma Khalid speaks to Randy Schriver and Mike Kuiken of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission about the national security implications – and what the Nvidia scandal could mean for America’s approach to selling advanced chips to China. Plus, BBC economics editor Faisal Islam offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jensen Huang, the man at the centre of it all, and his extraordinary influence over the global AI race.

The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

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Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
The Guardian
9h ago
Nvidia scandal sparks US national security furore and calls to take tough line on China

Nvidia scandal sparks US national security furore and calls to take tough line on China

Former CEO Jensen Huang and US commerce secretary to appear before Congress amid bipartisan concern that America’s security was put at risk

#china #usa #nvidia
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CNBC World
5h ago
Nvidia scandal draws in Commerce Secretary Lutnick, who reportedly agrees to testify about China chip sales

Nvidia scandal draws in Commerce Secretary Lutnick, who reportedly agrees to testify about China chip sales

Commerce Secretary Lutnick will testify before the Senate Banking Committee following revelations about Jensen Huang's affair with an alleged Chinese spy.

#china #nvidia
Compare →
ABC News Australia
14h ago
Nvidia's Jensen Huang scandal brings China's spy networks into view

Nvidia's Jensen Huang scandal brings China's spy networks into view

With all eyes on the Nvidia sex scandal, questions are being asked about China's vast and complex spy networks, and just how much influence they have around the world.

#china #nvidia
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The Australian Financial Review (AFR)
15h ago
Lutnick in firing line in Nvidia spy scandal fallout

Lutnick in firing line in Nvidia spy scandal fallout

The commerce secretary is blamed by some in the White House for inaction over blocking chip sales to China, as political pressure mounts in Washington.

#china #nvidia
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TechCrunch
17h ago
Democrats launch Nvidia investigation, write scathing letter on Huang's 'scheme' with Trump | TechCrunch

Democrats launch Nvidia investigation, write scathing letter on Huang's 'scheme' with Trump | TechCrunch

This Congressional investigation into Nvidia's China sales and its dealings with Trump is the second one, so far, since news of the alleged spy affair broke.

#china #nvidia
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CNN International
17h ago
US intel isn’t sure if businesswoman spied on Nvidia for China, doesn’t mean she wasn’t a risk, sources say | CNN Politics

US intel isn’t sure if businesswoman spied on Nvidia for China, doesn’t mean she wasn’t a risk, sources say | CNN Politics

The US intelligence community is still working to understand the relationship between a Chinese businesswoman who had an affair with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and the Chinese government, with multiple sources telling CNN that the intelligence collected on her to date does not prove that she was acting as a spy for Beijing.

#china #nvidia
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