Allegations of infidelity and ties to Chinese espionage surrounding Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, are causing a stir in his native Taiwan. As Taiwan faces military and diplomatic pressure from China, concerns are growing that Huang's alleged affair may be linked to Chinese intelligence, raising both security and economic anxieties.
According to CNN, Huang, who was born in Tainan, Taiwan, and spent his first five years there, has maintained strong ties to his homeland even after moving to the United States.
During his visits to Taiwan, he has fostered relationships with local companies like TSMC, frequented local restaurants, and engaged with citizens by taking selfies and signing autographs, earning him significant popularity. As the head of NVIDIA, which has risen to become the world's most valuable company amid a global AI boom, Huang has been a source of pride for Taiwan.
CNN reported, "For many in Taiwan, NVIDIA's success is seen as a reflection of their own success," noting that this perception is echoed in the Taiwanese stock market's rise and export boom driven by surging AI demand.
However, the scandal has complicated public sentiment, particularly with allegations that the woman involved, Alice Huang, may have connections to Chinese intelligence. This sensitivity is heightened by China's ongoing military pressure and its claim over Taiwan.
Tim Culpan, a technology journalist who has known Huang for over 25 years, explained that the greater shock for Taiwanese people stems not just from the affair itself but from the implications of Alice Huang's alleged ties to Chinese intelligence. He told CNN, "The important thing is that the affair involved an adversary, and that aspect wounds the Taiwanese people."
Economic interests are also at stake. Many individual investors in Taiwan have invested in NVIDIA and local semiconductor partners. TSMC, Taiwan's leading company that produces over 90% of the world's advanced semiconductors, accounts for about 40% of the Taiwanese stock index.
Consequently, if this scandal disrupts NVIDIA's operations and business, it could have repercussions for TSMC and Taiwan's semiconductor industry, as well as the national economy. In fact, NVIDIA's stock price fell 8.61% to $158.78 in after-hours trading on November 11, following reports of additional infidelity allegations and potential board dismissals. TSMC's stock also dropped approximately 0.8% during morning trading on November 12.
In contrast, shares of NVIDIA's competitor AMD rose 4.3% in after-hours trading on November 11, while Samsung Electronics saw its stock increase by over 2% during trading on November 12. Observers suggest that the uncertainty surrounding NVIDIA's management could present opportunities for competitors and related supply chain companies.
Meanwhile, NVIDIA is investing over $1 billion to establish a new base in Taipei, aiming for completion by 2030. Taipei city officials maintain that the project is proceeding as planned despite the ongoing controversy.
CNN noted that while Huang's popularity in Taiwan may not vanish overnight, the intertwining of business, technology, and national security in Taiwan means this issue transcends mere personal matters.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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