Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia and a native of Taiwan, has elicited a mix of disbelief and sympathy in the island where he remains a widely admired figure, following public revelations about an affair with a woman who has been linked in media accounts to possible Chinese intelligence activity.
The affair has triggered investigations - both by Nvidia’s board and by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation - to determine whether Huang may have been targeted as part of a foreign intelligence effort. The prospect of such an inquiry has resonated in the Taipei neighborhoods Huang frequents when visiting, where longtime acquaintances and small business owners described surprise and concern at the developments.
"I thought it must be a lie, or fake news," said Hsiao Kui-yu, 68, who runs a dried and candied fruit stall in Taipei’s Siping market and who said Huang often stops by when he is in town. "We think of him as such a good boss, who takes such good care of people. How could something like this happen? Is it possible? I’m very suspicious," Hsiao told reporters.
Other local contacts conveyed a more protective sentiment. Ray Wang, a 57-year-old barber whose upscale shop sits near the luxury hotel Huang typically uses, said he and the CEO developed a rapport after Huang first returned to Taiwan in 2017. "Every day I pray for Mr. Huang, hoping he gets through this difficult time," Wang said. "I really want to write him a letter of encouragement, but I feel this isn’t a good time, because he’s very busy."
Born in the historic city of Tainan before emigrating to the United States as a child, Huang has publicly praised Taiwanese technology companies - including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company - for their roles in the global expansion of artificial intelligence. Photographs have circulated showing the woman suspected of being a spy accompanying Huang on visits to Taiwan, according to media accounts.
Taiwan’s government has been cautious in its public comments on the situation, reflecting the island’s long-standing sensitivity about Chinese activities. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi told parliament that he could not comment on details relating to either Huang or the woman. "I have no evidence, nor do I have the authority to investigate," he said when asked whether he believed the woman was a spy.
Among observers in Taipei, reactions have varied. Some expressed incredulity that someone they regard highly could be involved in such a scandal, while others emphasized the importance of acknowledging personal failings. "It was good that Huang had acknowledged his mistake in having an affair," said academic Liu I-li, 49, who was waiting outside a pork knuckle restaurant that Huang likes. "We can’t judge a person by just one thing. We should look at them more comprehensively. Nobody is without flaws."
The story has put a spotlight on the personal life of an executive who is closely associated with the AI boom, and on the potential national security questions raised when senior technology leaders are linked, even indirectly, to suspected foreign intelligence activity. As investigations by corporate and federal authorities continue, local supporters and acquaintances of Huang in Taiwan say they are watching developments with a mix of concern and loyalty.
Contextual notes
- Investigations are ongoing by Nvidia’s board and the FBI to assess whether Huang was targeted in a foreign intelligence matter.
- Huang has acknowledged the affair.
- Taiwanese officials have declined to speak to allegations of espionage, noting a lack of evidence and authority to investigate.