Why the Nvidia scandal is bigger than one tech CEO’s affair

This episode was updated on 12th November following Jensen Huang’s resignation as CEO of Nvidia. China appears determined to acquire America’s most advanced computing technology – but how far might it go to get it? Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has resigned after publicly acknowledging having an affair, amid reports raising questions about whether the woman involved had links to Chinese intelligence. Nvidia’s board said it has no reason to believe company secrets or national security have been compromised, though it’s launched an independent investigation into the matter. The revelations have also raised broader questions about China’s longstanding efforts to acquire American technology, including through espionage. On The Global Story, host Asma Khalid speaks to Randy Schriver and Mike Kuiken of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission about the national security implications – and what the Nvidia scandal could mean for America’s approach to selling advanced chips to China. Plus, BBC economics editor Faisal Islam offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jensen Huang, the man at the centre of it all, and his extraordinary influence over the global AI race. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Martine Powers Mix: Travis Evans Studio manager: Philip Bull Digital producer: Charlie Firth Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the "Winning the AI Race" Summit in Washington, D.C, July 23, 2025. Credit: Reuters.