Nvidia’s Huang Sounds Alarm on China-Focused AI Curbs

Export Curbs, Unintended Consequences

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang criticized U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI chips to China, warning they’ve had the opposite effect. Instead of slowing down China’s AI progress, the curbs have pushed Chinese companies to invest more aggressively in their own chipmaking capabilities. Speaking at the Computex forum in Taipei, Huang argued that limiting access to U.S. tech only strengthens rival innovation ecosystems. Though the intent was to hinder China’s military and surveillance technologies, Huang contends that policy has inadvertently spurred self-reliance—escalating geopolitical tech competition rather than containing it.

Hurting the Home Team?

Huang also expressed concern about the domestic fallout of such export policies. Nvidia, the world’s leading AI chipmaker, has already had to redesign products to comply with changing U.S. rules, reshaping their China strategy and sales approach. With China representing a major share of Nvidia’s global revenue, tighter regulations not only disrupt supply chains but also risk ceding market share to emerging local startups and competitors. Huang’s comments add to a growing chorus of U.S. tech executives urging a more nuanced approach to export controls—balancing national security without stifling innovation and global competitiveness.