Trump says Nvidia chief Huang had no knowledge of alleged Chinese espionage activities

By Chang Dong-woo

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Nvidia Corp. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jensen Huang told him he had no knowledge of alleged Chinese spy activities involving a businesswoman at the center of a suspected spying controversy.

In a briefing held at the White House, Trump said he directly asked Huang whether he knew the woman was a spy.

"He said, 'I had no idea that she was a spy,' and I really believe him," Trump said.

Huang was embroiled in a controversy over allegations involving a Chinese businesswoman suspected of working as an intelligence agent for Beijing. China has denied the espionage allegations.

"I asked (Huang) today because I did speak to him today just to see if he is feeling all right," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump said he has followed the allegations and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was looking into the matter.

"We will look into it. I know the FBI is looking into it in terms of something else, and I think that he will be in good shape," Trump said.

The president also defended Huang's character, describing him as an honorable businessman. "I just know Jensen very well. I just think he is a very honorable man."

Nvidia's board has separately launched an independent investigation into whether Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The board said it had no reason to believe company secrets or national security had been compromised.

odissy@yna.co.kr
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