Nvidia CEO Expresses Disappointment Over Reports of China’s AI Chip Ban

LONDON – Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang has publicly addressed the complexities facing the U.S. tech giant in China, following reports of a potential ban on its advanced artificial intelligence chips. This development underscores the escalating tensions within the U.S.-China tech landscape and the strategic implications for Nvidia’s global market position.

Huang expressed his “disappointment” in response to a *Financial Times* report revealing that the Cyberspace Administration of China had allegedly instructed companies, including ByteDance (parent company of TikTok) and Alibaba, to refrain from purchasing Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D. This specialized chip was designed specifically for the Chinese market to comply with existing export regulations.

When questioned about the *Financial Times* article, Huang remarked, “We can only serve a market if the country allows us to do so.” He elaborated on Nvidia’s historical contributions, stating, “We have likely contributed more to the China market than most nations. I am disappointed by these developments, but I recognize that there are broader strategic considerations at play between China and the United States.”

Nvidia’s presence in China has been characterized by volatility in recent years. These challenges are inextricably linked to U.S. export controls and the broader geopolitical climate.

“We have advised financial analysts not to factor China into their forecasts,” Huang informed reporters during a press briefing in London. “This is primarily due to the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Chinese governments.”

Previous measures imposed by the U.S. government included restrictions on the export of Nvidia’s advanced AI chips to China, citing national security concerns. These restrictions also impacted the H20, a less powerful server chip tailored for the Chinese market.

However, a reported agreement between President Donald Trump and Jensen Huang in August 2025 supposedly offered a potential compromise: Nvidia would receive export licenses in exchange for allocating 15% of Chinese H20 sales revenue to the U.S. government. The veracity and details of this agreement remain somewhat opaque.

Adding to these challenges, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation recently initiated an anti-monopoly investigation into Nvidia’s acquisition of Mellanox, an Israeli technology firm specializing in network solutions for data centers and servers. This investigation raises concerns about potential market dominance and anti-competitive practices.

Huang’s presence in the U.K. accompanies Trump’s ongoing state visit. This visit underscores the increasing relevance of international partnerships in the AI and technology sectors.

Earlier this week, Nvidia committed £11 billion ($15 billion) to U.K. AI infrastructure, contributing to a broader wave of investment from U.S. tech giants, including Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce. These investments signify the strategic importance of the U.K. as a hub for AI development and deployment and the potential for international collaboration to circumvent challenges in specific regions like China.

Regardless of current geopolitical tensions, Huang emphasized the significance of China’s AI sector. He notes, “The Chinese market holds considerable importance, is expansive, and boasts a vibrant technology industry. We have been a dedicated partner for 30 years.”

He concluded by reaffirming Nvidia’s commitment to both governments, “We will continue to support the Chinese government and Chinese companies as they desire, while also maintaining our support for the U.S. government as they manage these intricate geopolitical policies.” The long-term success of Nvidia hinges on navigating this complex geopolitical landscape and adapting to evolving regulatory environments while maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly advancing AI market.