Trump's Approval of Nvidia Chip Sales to China Draws Criticism
President Donald Trump's decision to allow the sale of Nvidia's powerful H200 artificial intelligence chips to China has faced strong criticism. Lawmakers and former officials are raising alarms about potential security risks.
Former White House Advisor Sounds Warning
Matt Pottinger, who served as a senior White House Asia advisor during Trump's first term, voiced his concerns during a congressional hearing. He argued the administration is on the wrong track and undermining America's goal of winning the AI race.
"Selling H200s to China will supercharge Beijing's military modernization," Pottinger stated. He emphasized this would enhance capabilities across multiple domains including:
- Nuclear weapons development
- Cyber warfare operations
- Autonomous drone technology
- Biological warfare research
- Intelligence and influence operations
Pottinger urged Congress to establish guardrails to prevent similar decisions in the future.
Administration Defends the Decision
The Trump administration has defended the chip sale approval. Officials suggest that allowing American chip sales might discourage Chinese competitors like Huawei from developing their own advanced designs.
However, Pottinger dismissed this logic as unrealistic. He warned that the H200 chips would directly boost China's military capabilities.
Congressional Concerns Mount
Congressman Michael McCaul echoed these security worries. "They steal so much intellectual property from this country," he noted, "but we don't have to sell it to them."
Meanwhile, a Nvidia spokesperson emphasized the importance of American industry competing for approved commercial business. This competition supports real jobs for American workers.
China Implements New Import Regulations
Reuters reported earlier this week that Chinese customs agents have received instructions. Nvidia's H200 AI chips are not permitted to enter the country under new regulations.
The regulations include several restrictive measures designed to mitigate security risks:
- Every chip must undergo third-party laboratory review to confirm technical capabilities
- China cannot receive more than 50% of total chips sold to American customers
- Nvidia must certify sufficient domestic supply before shipping units abroad
- Chinese customers must demonstrate adequate security procedures and pledge not to use hardware for military purposes
These developments highlight the complex intersection of technology trade, national security, and international relations in the AI era.
