Jensen Huang woos Beijing as Nvidia finds a way back into China

Nvidia's Jensen Huang: A $4 Trillion Empire Navigates the China Chip Conundrum **Did you know a single company's market cap recently soared past $4 trillion?** That's Nvidia, and its CEO, Jensen Huang, just pulled off a diplomatic feat in China that could reshape the global AI landscape. Get ready for an inside look at his whirlwind trip, filled with high-stakes negotiations and surprising revelations. A Sunny Beijing Summit: More Than Just Smiles

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The Beijing sun beat down on Jensen Huang, Nvidia's CEO and co-founder, as he arrived fifteen minutes early for a press conference. His iconic black leather jacket couldn't quite shield him from the near 90-degree heat, but his smile was undeniable. This was his third trip to China in six months – a testament to the critical importance of the Chinese market, even amidst complex geopolitical tensions. But this wasn't just a casual visit. It was a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga of US-China tech relations. This press conference wasn't held inside the air-conditioned comfort of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, as planned. Instead, it unfolded amidst the bustling courtyard, a scene that perfectly encapsulated the unexpected twists and turns of Huang's China mission. Reporters surrounded him, clamoring for autographs on books and t-shirts. "Who needs an autograph? I'll do it while I'm listening," he quipped, setting the tone for a uniquely candid exchange. High-Level Meetings and Unexpected Alliances

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Huang's trip included a "wonderful meeting" with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. He clarified that their discussions didn't touch on China's rare earth restrictions or battery technology – a subtle hint at the intricate dance of global commerce at play. He also met with Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, a meeting that focused on AI applications for large language models, autonomous driving, and robotics. Xiaomi's use of Nvidia's automotive chips adds another layer to this complex, interconnected web. But the intrigue doesn't end there. Huang revealed he discussed his China trip with President Trump, who simply said, "Have a great trip." This casual exchange masks the gravity of the situation. Huang's journey was not just a business trip, it was a diplomatic mission, indirectly influencing global tech policy. The H20 Chip Hurdle: A $10 Billion Gamble?

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The elephant in the room? Nvidia's H20 AI chips. After a three-month pause, Nvidia expects to resume sales to China. Huang insists his role was purely informational; the decision rested solely with the US and Chinese governments. He stressed Nvidia's compliance with regulations, framing tariffs as an unavoidable business reality. But the financial stakes are immense. The US export controls nearly halved Nvidia's market share in China, resulting in a $2.5 billion loss and a projected $8 billion hit. This unprecedented risk adds to the tension and suspense surrounding Huang's mission. This is where things get really interesting. Was this a carefully orchestrated political exchange involving crucial rare earth minerals? The White House remains silent…for now. Huawei's Resilience: A Giant Awakens

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Huang also addressed the formidable presence of Huawei, a Chinese tech giant impacted by US sanctions. He warned against underestimating Huawei's manufacturing prowess and "excellent chip design," highlighting their independent AI capabilities, including the Ascend chips, CANN system, and CloudMatrix platform. These advancements reveal a strategic counter-move against US dominance. Huang's assessment? "That's just a matter of time" before Huawei becomes a major global player. China's AI Breakthrough: Open Source and Unstoppable Huang showered praise on Chinese AI models like DeepSeek, Qwen, and Kimi, emphasizing their open-source nature and impressive capabilities, particularly DeepSeek's cost-effectiveness. The open-source aspect democratizes access to these powerful technologies, potentially accelerating global AI development. But how did DeepSeek achieve such progress amidst US chip restrictions? This mystery adds another layer of suspense to the already complex story.

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What's Next for Nvidia and China? The Future of AI Huang remains optimistic about future chip sales to China, hoping for access to more advanced technology. He envisions a future where even higher-performing chips will be available in the Chinese market. However, he's cautious about specifics, highlighting the time-consuming process of restarting the supply chain – a process he estimates might take nine months. His concluding words? A simple yet powerful invitation: "I hope so. You have to invite me." The unspoken implication is clear: the ongoing Nvidia-China saga is far from over. The stakes are high, the future uncertain, and the next chapter awaits.

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