'I’m disappointed, but patient': Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on China’s AI chip ban and US tech battle

Nvidia boss hints at Trump talks after Beijing bans key chips, raises antitrust heat

Jensen Huang, the high-profile CEO of Nvidia, finds himself at the center of the escalating tech and trade crossfire between Washington and Beijing. Speaking to reporters in London on Wednesday, as reported by Associated Press, Huang admitted he was 'disappointed' about China’s latest moves against the company but struck a patient, almost philosophical tone: “They have larger agendas to work out… we’re supportive of both governments as they sort through these geopolitical policies.”

His comments come just hours before he attends a state banquet hosted by the British government, where US President Donald Trump will also be present. Huang said he hasn’t yet spoken to Trump about the restrictions, but added, “I’ll see him tonight, and he’ll probably ask me.”

China slams doors on Nvidia’s AI chips

Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, has become a prime casualty of the U.S.-China technology rivalry. Washington already bars the company from exporting its most advanced AI processors to China. Now, Beijing has hit back on two fronts:

Regulators accused Nvidia of antitrust violations linked to its 2020 acquisition of Israeli tech firm Mellanox.

According to the Financial Times, China’s internet regulator has reportedly banned domestic tech firms from purchasing a special Nvidia chip model designed for the local market.

Huang refused to be drawn on the reported ban, saying only: “We could only be in service of a market if the country wants us to be.”

“We can’t go everywhere, and that’s fine”

Despite the mounting restrictions, Huang played down concerns of lasting damage. China is the world’s second-largest AI computing market and has long been a critical growth engine for Nvidia, but Huang stressed that the company has other avenues:

“There are a lot of places we can’t go to. And it’s fine. Our job is to serve those markets the best we can, if we can.”

That balance, between acknowledging disappointment and signaling calm, was Huang’s consistent message. He described Nvidia’s stance as 'patient' and 'supportive' of the governments involved.

New UK investments to cushion the blow

Huang’s London trip isn’t just about diplomatic damage control. Nvidia is also unveiling a series of investments timed with Trump’s state visit. The company has struck a deal to supply tens of thousands of its processors for data centers in the U.K., part of Stargate, a Trump-backed AI infrastructure initiative led by OpenAI.