U.S. Commerce Secretary: Nvidia's H200 Chips Haven't Been Sold Yet, China Aims to Develop Its Own

On April 22 local time, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing, with chip export controls on China dominating the discussion. During questioning, U.S. Commerce Secretary Linda McMahon disclosed that despite the Trump administration's attempt to maintain a so-called "delicate balance" in technology transfers to China, China has yet to purchase any H200 chips—because Beijing is prioritizing investment in indigenous industrial development.

On January 13, the Trump administration officially approved Nvidia’s export of H200 artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China. However, the U.S. government imposed multiple prerequisites, requiring Nvidia to surrender 25% of its chip sales revenue. This relaxation triggered discontent among hardliners in Washington advocating a tough stance toward China.

According to Hong Kong-based English media outlet South China Morning Post, McMahon sought to allay political concerns over "U.S. technology fueling China's military advancement" in her testimony. Nevertheless, her remarks were met with skepticism from several members of Congress, given President Trump’s apparent willingness to sell advanced semiconductors to China.

McMahon stated that President Trump maintains a good relationship with China and that the U.S. is carefully managing the "delicate balance" in technology transfer. However, she emphasized that China has not yet purchased any advanced chips.

"President Trump is skillfully navigating the delicate balance in U.S.-China relations. I understand this balance, but the president knows it best," she said, stressing that her message should be "absolutely clear": "The United States will never sell the most advanced chips to China under any circumstances."

She further clarified: "I can tell you unequivocally that they have not bought a single chip so far."

"China intends to concentrate its investments on domestic industry development," McMahon said when discussing the sales status of H200 chips to China. "To date, we have not sold them a single chip."

Reuters reported that Nvidia has not responded to requests for comment.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1863223817461760/

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