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US Lawmaker Urges Stricter Chip Curbs After Nvidia Tech Aids China's PLA

US Congressman John Moolenaar has written to the Commerce Secretary, alleging that Nvidia provided technical assistance to Chinese AI firm DeepSeek, which was subsequently incorporated into systems of the People's Liberation Army. The letter cites committee findings that DeepSeek operates as a non-commercial platform, routing US data to China and complying with CCP censorship. Moolenaar argues this underscores the urgent need for strict enforcement of existing H200 chip export rules to prevent military use. The recommendations include clarifying export restrictions and imposing tighter controls on PRC-origin AI models like those from DeepSeek, Alibaba, and Tencent.

Key Points: US Lawmaker Flags Nvidia Tech Use by China's Military

  • Nvidia tech allegedly used by China's PLA
  • Lawmaker urges stricter chip export enforcement
  • DeepSeek AI flagged as cybersecurity risk
  • Call to tighten controls on Chinese AI models
2 min read

US lawmaker flags Nvidia tech use by China's PLA, urges tighter chip export controls

A US committee chairman reveals Nvidia's technical support allegedly helped a Chinese AI firm, now linked to the PLA, prompting calls for tighter chip export controls.

"to promote the AI ecosystem flywheel and improve NVIDIA's products - Nvidia's stated engagement with DeepSeek"

Washington DC, January 30

Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee on China sent a letter to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick describing how Nvidia products were allegedly used by the Chinese Communist Party-backed artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek and subsequently acquired by the People's Liberation Army, as noted by the Select Committee on China press release.

In the letter, Moolenaar explained that materials submitted to the committee showed Nvidia had provided technical assistance to an AI model that was later deployed within PLA systems, and he reiterated the importance of ensuring that exported chips are not used to enhance China's military capabilities.

In the letter, Moolenaar wrote that although Nvidia claimed its engagement with DeepSeek was intended "to promote the [AI] ecosystem flywheel and improve NVIDIA's products," documents reviewed by the committee showed that Nvidia had delivered extensive technical support that enabled DeepSeek, now incorporated into PLA systems and identified as a significant cybersecurity risk, to develop advanced AI capabilities.

He said these findings underscored the need for strict enforcement of the Commerce Department's H200 export rule, which requires certification that exported chips will not be used for military purposes, even if such enforcement effectively blocks H200 exports to the People's Republic of China altogether, according to the SCC press release.

Moolenaar further stated that, as outlined in the committee's April 2025 report, DeepSeek did not operate as a standard commercial AI platform.

He said the system routed data belonging to Americans back to the PRC through infrastructure linked to a US-designated Chinese military company, altered outputs to comply with Chinese Communist Party propaganda and censorship requirements, misappropriated intellectual property from leading US AI firms, and operated using advanced Nvidia chips that were restricted from export to China, as noted by the SCC press release.

The letter concluded with two recommendations aimed at strengthening US national security. These included clarifying H200 export restrictions to introduce safeguards that would effectively and reliably prevent prohibited end users from obtaining the level of access that the PLA reportedly gained through DeepSeek, and imposing tighter controls on PRC-origin AI models to address the risks associated with the use of AI systems developed by Chinese entities such as DeepSeek, Alibaba, and Tencent within the United States, according to the SCC press release.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While national security is paramount, completely blocking exports might hurt global tech collaboration and innovation. There has to be a middle path for genuine commercial use, no? 🤔
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, this tech race is crucial. It highlights why we need to double down on our own semiconductor and AI initiatives like IndiaAI. Can't be dependent on others for critical tech.
S
Sarah B
The details about data routing and propaganda alignment are chilling. It's not just about chips; it's about controlling information. US companies need to be more vigilant about who they partner with.
V
Vikram M
Absolutely. This is a wake-up call. We in India should also scrutinize tech partnerships and imports more carefully. National security can't be compromised for short-term business gains. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the concerns are valid, the tone feels a bit alarmist. Many global tech firms have Chinese collaborations. The key is robust, transparent auditing, not outright bans that could backfire.
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Nisha Z
The mention of Alibaba and Tencent is important. It's not just one firm. This requires a coordinated, global policy response. Hope Indian policymakers are taking notes for our own digital ecosystem.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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