WASHINGTON — U.S. federal authorities are urging restraint before branding the Chinese national linked to former Nvidia chief Jensen Huang as a state-sponsored spy, even as the high-profile corporate scandal continues to shake the technology sector.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, senior Justice Department officials emphasized that while federal investigators are reviewing the activities of Alice Huang—the former partner at the center of the scandal—no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding formal espionage charges.

The sentiment was echoed by the White House. In a recent media appearance, President Donald Trump noted that the distinction between a breach of corporate conduct and a deliberate national security betrayal remains a critical pivot point in evaluating the fallout.

Intelligence community representatives, including briefers from the intelligence directorate and analytical agencies, have similarly cautioned lawmakers that available evidence does not yet conclusively prove that Huang acted as a deliberate agent of Beijing. House Intelligence Committee members who attended closed-door briefings noted that establishing a direct operational link between Huang and the Chinese government remains a challenge for investigators.

Despite the reluctance to label her a spy immediately, national security officials maintain that the situation presents profound counterintelligence concerns. Observers point out that Chinese intelligence mandates can place heavy pressure on citizens abroad, and Huang’s proximity to Nvidia’s inner circle—as well as influential political figures—offered unique avenues for sensitive access.

U.S. authorities had reportedly been tracking the association between the two figures for months, with top national security advisors briefing the administration on potential vulnerabilities earlier this year.

The controversy intensified following earlier investigative reports by technology publications alleging that Huang’s insider access may have facilitated the circumvention of export controls, funneling advanced artificial intelligence hardware worth billions toward entities in China.

The escalating security probe capped a devastating series of disclosures for the tech visionary. Beyond the geopolitical scrutiny, additional internal misconduct allegations forced Jensen Huang to relinquish his leadership role, effectively ending his era atop the global semiconductor powerhouse.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]