Chinese artificial intelligence companies are rushing to secure Nvidia chips through overseas data centres amid fears of stricter U.S. export controls. Several companies are exploring ways to reserve computing capacity outside China to maintain access to advanced processors.
According to a Reuters report published on November 12, 2026, Chinese technology companies fear tighter U.S. restrictions. Washington could introduce stricter rules governing remote access to Nvidia chips already subject to export controls. These concerns have grown as U.S. authorities investigate suspected technology transfers to China and consider additional restrictions.
The development shows China’s continued reliance on advanced American semiconductors as domestic technology companies compete globally. Nvidia chips remain important for developing large AI models and expanding computing infrastructure.
Chinese AI Companies Seek Nvidia Chips Through Overseas Data Centres
Several Chinese AI companies are exploring overseas data centres to access advanced Nvidia chips amid growing US restrictions. Three people familiar with the discussions told Reuters that companies are considering reserving computing capacity before new restrictions take effect.
A major Chinese cloud provider has reportedly discussed securing Nvidia computing resources at overseas facilities. Other Chinese companies have also approached data centre operators to reserve access to advanced processors.
Smaller AI research labs are exploring similar options through cloud providers across Southeast Asia. These arrangements would allow Chinese developers to rent computing power without directly importing restricted Nvidia chips.
Overseas data centres offer Chinese companies an alternative way to access advanced American processors. These facilities provide computing resources for training and running large AI models, including generative AI applications.
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Proposed U.S. Legislation Could Restrict Remote Access to Nvidia Chips
Chinese technology companies are also monitoring proposed U.S. legislation that could limit remote access to advanced American processors.
The proposed Remote Access Security Act (RASA) would expand the U.S. Commerce Department’s authority over restricted technology access. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in January 2026, receiving 369 votes in favour and 22 against.
However, the legislation still needs Senate approval before it can become law. If approved, it could restrict Chinese companies from renting computing capacity powered by restricted Nvidia processors.
The proposed law could close an existing route for Chinese AI developers to access advanced American chips. This uncertainty has pushed companies to explore overseas data centre options before further restrictions take effect.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Faces Scrutiny Amid China-Related Allegations
The growing concerns over Nvidia chips come amid reports linking CEO Jensen Huang to allegations involving suspected Chinese intelligence activities.
The New York Times reported that U.S. authorities identified Alice Huang as a suspected Chinese intelligence asset. She previously worked as an executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based cloud computing company.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the allegations. The Chinese government has also denied the accusations.
Megaspeed has faced scrutiny over claims that it helped Chinese customers access Nvidia chips restricted under U.S. export controls. However, the company has denied illegally diverting advanced processors to China.
The controversy has raised further questions about how Chinese companies obtain restricted American computing hardware.
Grey-Market Demand for Nvidia Chips Increases
Demand for Nvidia processors is also rising in China’s grey market as buyers prepare for tighter U.S. export controls. Traders and intermediaries are reportedly stockpiling advanced chips amid concerns about stricter enforcement and further restrictions.
A recent procurement case has highlighted the difficulties of enforcing U.S. semiconductor export restrictions. A Chinese university with reported ties to the People’s Liberation Army purchased Nvidia’s powerful H200 AI chips last month.
According to procurement records cited by Reuters, the university was already on the U.S. export blacklist.
Separately, U.S. prosecutors charged Super Micro Computer co-founder Yih-Shyan Wally Liaw and two others in March 2026. They were accused of conspiring to divert Nvidia-equipped servers to China through a Southeast Asian company.
According to prosecutors, the company purchased approximately $2.5 billion worth of Super Micro servers between 2024 and 2025. A substantial portion of those servers was allegedly redirected to customers in China.
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U.S. Export Controls Create Challenges for China’s AI Industry
Recent developments highlight the challenges facing Chinese AI companies as Washington tightens restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports. Nvidia processors remain essential for training large language models and expanding artificial intelligence computing infrastructure.
Chinese technology companies are exploring overseas data centres to maintain access to advanced Nvidia chips. However, proposed U.S. legislation could restrict these alternatives if Washington expands its semiconductor export control rules.
Rising demand for overseas Nvidia computing capacity also highlights the importance of advanced chips in global AI competition. Additional restrictions could put further pressure on Chinese developers as they expand their AI models and computing infrastructure.
For Nvidia, these developments create challenges in serving Chinese customers while complying with U.S. export regulations.
