Chinese Military Sought Nvidia Chips in 500-Plus Cases Since 2019 Despite US Curbs
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 1
Chinese Military Sought Nvidia Chips in 500-Plus Cases Since 2019 Despite US Curbs
9 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 1
Wirescreen found more than 500 cases in which People’s Liberation Army units sought Nvidia AI chips by name or technical specification from 2019 onward, based on 3,800 Chinese procurement records.
The report says those efforts intensified even after Washington restricted advanced semiconductor sales to China, showing how military-linked buyers adapted to and tried to circumvent the controls.
Some records show suppliers agreed to provide chips on the military’s terms, though the documents reviewed do not confirm final delivery.
The findings challenge Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s assertion that China’s military does not rely on the company’s chips and sharpen scrutiny of whether US technology is reaching the PLA.
Nvidia says China's military doesn't use its chips, so why are PLA records filled with requests for them?
Is the U.S. AI chip ban creating a high-tech black market that directly arms the Chinese military?
Nvidia AI Chips, Smuggling Networks, and U.S.-China Export Controls: The High-Stakes Struggle for Advanced Technology in 2026
Overview
The report highlights how evolving U.S. export controls have significantly disrupted the flow of advanced Nvidia H200 AI chips to China, with Nvidia halting production for the Chinese market and shifting manufacturing to other products. Despite these measures, strong demand from China persists, leading to sophisticated smuggling networks and ongoing attempts to bypass restrictions. The U.S. response includes tighter enforcement and legislative action, but challenges remain as China accelerates efforts to develop its own AI chips. This ongoing technological contest shapes global supply chains and has major implications for economic security and international relations.