China’s access to Nvidia chips in doubt as curbs gain traction in U.S. Congress

Nvidia's advanced artificial intelligence chips are widely used to develop cutting-edge AI models, making the company key to the U.S. race against China to build superior AI systems. | REUTERS

REUTERS

Nov 13, 2026

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Thursday there was growing consensus in Congress on limiting chip exports to China after a spy scandal forced out Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Huang stepped down after reports of a romantic relationship with a businesswoman whom U.S. authorities suspect of spying for the Chinese government.

Lawmakers from both parties have since called for tougher restrictions on China’s access to advanced artificial intelligence chips, threatening access to chips that underpin China’s surging AI development. And senior White House officials were discussing whether Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick should be pushed out, two people familiar with the situation said, as the desire to take action rose across Washington.

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