Two U.S. senators have issued a formal warning to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, urging him to steer clear of companies in China that could pose national security risks to the United States.
The bipartisan letter, signed by Republican Senator Jim Banks and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, comes just as Huang begins a trip to China.
The senators asked Huang not to meet with any entities affiliated with China’s military or intelligence apparatus, as well as companies already listed on the U.S. export control list.
Concern Over Export Control Loopholes
“We are worried that your trip to the PRC could legitimize companies that cooperate closely with the Chinese military or involve discussing exploitable gaps in U.S. export controls,” the senators wrote.
This warning reflects growing unease in Washington over how advanced AI technologies might be indirectly contributing to China’s military modernization, despite restrictions.
The U.S. has increasingly tightened its grip on exports of AI chips and related technology to China, citing national security risks.
Nvidia Defends Global Engagement
Nvidia responded by defending its approach to International engagement.
A spokesperson for the company stated that “American wins” when U.S. technology sets the global standard.
They added that China hosts one of the world’s largest developer communities, and that AI software should ideally run best on the U.S. Tech stack to “encourage nations worldwide to choose America.”
Earlier this year at the Computex trade show in Taipei, Huang supported former President Donald Trump’s move to lift some AI chip export controls.
He had previously criticized prior restrictions, calling them a failure.
Financial and Strategic Stakes for Nvidia
The stakes are high for Nvidia.
According to Huang, updated U.S. export restrictions imposed in April could cost the company as much as $15 billion in revenue.
Despite these financial consequences, lawmakers remain focused on preventing the flow of advanced semiconductor technology that could aid China’s military goals.
Banks and Warren emphasized that bipartisan consensus now considers AI hardware to be critical national security infrastructure.
They argue this hardware could be used by the PRC to accelerate military modernization.
Wider Scrutiny of AI Chip Exports
The letter to Huang also follows increased scrutiny of Chinese firms suspected of dodging export bans.
Last month, a Reuters investigation revealed that AI firm DeepSeek had allegedly attempted to bypass U.S. controls by setting up shell companies.
According to the report, DeepSeek is supporting China’s military and intelligence efforts.
Nvidia’s Business decisions continue to draw scrutiny in this climate, especially after it opened a research facility in Shanghai and reportedly planned to release a lower-tier version of its Blackwell AI chips specifically for the Chinese market.
The senators warned that such actions may unintentionally strengthen China’s domestic chip and AI sectors.
Export Control Enforcement in Focus
The U.S. government is considering new legislation that would require AI chip manufacturers to verify where their products end up.
The goal is to close loopholes in the current export control system.
While Nvidia maintains it is committed to responsible global business practices, the company’s expansion in China is drawing bipartisan attention on Capitol Hill.