NVIDIA's high-profile chief executive, Jensen Huang, is making his third trip to China this year to attend the opening of the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on July 16. The visit comes just days after unverified photos circulated online showing Huang meeting with Xiaomi founder Lei Jun in the Chinese capital, where the two tech leaders were pictured smiling beside one of Xiaomi's electric vehicles.
Huang's frequent visits underscore the delicate position NVIDIA maintains in China, its third-largest market, accounting for about 20% of revenue. The American chipmaker has been walking a tightrope between complying with U.S. export controls and preserving its substantial Chinese business since Washington began restricting advanced semiconductor sales to China.
The upcoming supply chain expo provides Huang with another opportunity to reaffirm NVIDIA's commitment to Chinese partners. Earlier this year, the charismatic executive made headlines during his January visit when he participated in NVIDIA's China annual gala, dancing with employees and handing out traditional red envelopes. In April, he met with senior Chinese trade officials, pledging to deepen cooperation despite growing geopolitical tensions.
Industry analysts will be watching closely for any announcements about NVIDIA's latest efforts to develop China-compliant AI chips. The company previously created modified A800 and H800 processors to circumvent earlier export restrictions, before those too were banned. With Washington reportedly considering further tightening chip controls, Huang's Beijing appearance takes on added significance as NVIDIA seeks to maintain its foothold in the critical Chinese market.
The expo comes at a sensitive time for global tech supply chains, as Western nations push for "de-risking" while China promotes its vision of open cooperation. Huang's participation signals NVIDIA's attempt to balance these competing imperatives, even as the U.S. government intensifies efforts to limit China's access to advanced computing technology.
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