China on Thursday rejected what it called the US “Chinese spy narrative”, insisting that its technological progress was driven by independent innovation and international cooperation rather than espionage.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing in Beijing amid reports that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang could be removed following allegations of extramarital affairs, including one involving Alice Huang, a woman suspected of links to Chinese intelligence.
“The United States should stop fabricating the so-called Chinese spy narrative as a pretext for imposing technology restrictions,” Mao said.
“China’s scientific progress relies on independent innovation and open cooperation,” she added.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Nvidia's board was preparing to oust Huang following reports of two extramarital affairs.
The newspaper said the board was expected to meet as early as on Wednesday, US time, to discuss his future.
The New York Times separately reported that Huang had an affair with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of healthcare.
Huang has previously acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife, while Nvidia's board is investigating whether he was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.
Beijing addresses upcoming Trump-Xi meeting
Asked whether the controversy could affect an expected meeting between the Chinese and US presidents next week, Mao said Beijing had already made its position clear on what it described as the Chinese espionage narrative.
“China and the US remain in close communication regarding interactions between the two countries’ leaders. We stand ready to work with the US to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two presidents and advance a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability based on respect, fairness and reciprocity,” she said, according to Beijing-based newspaper Global Times.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to host US President Donald Trump in Shenzhen as Beijing prepares to host the annual APEC leaders' summit.
China criticises US chip export restrictions
Mao also criticised US restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports to China, accusing Washington of expanding the definition of national security to justify curbs on Chinese companies.
“We are against the US attempts to overstretch the concept of national security,” she said, denouncing what she described as discriminatory restrictions targeting Chinese firms.
