China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed allegations that the woman linked to an extramarital affair with Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang worked for Chinese intelligence, describing claims of Chinese espionage as groundless speculation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing on Monday (9 November), in response to a question from an AFP reporter. The reporter also asked whether the incident would affect a meeting between the Chinese and US leaders during next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shenzhen.
Guo said: “We have already responded to this. The allegations about Chinese spies are entirely groundless, speculative and intended to smear and malign China.”
A reporter followed up by asking whether this meant the ministry was denying reports that the woman worked for a Chinese intelligence agency.
Guo reiterated: “The allegations about Chinese spies are entirely groundless, speculative and intended to smear and malign China.”
Huang admitted on Sunday (8 November) to having had an extramarital affair. Nvidia’s board announced an independent investigation to establish whether Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence agency and whether US national security and company secrets had been compromised.
Earlier media reports said he had a close relationship with a businesswoman suspected by US intelligence agencies of involvement in Chinese intelligence activities. However, the allegations of intelligence activities have yet to be substantiated by an independent investigation, and Nvidia’s board has not determined that company secrets were leaked.