Beijing permits limited shipments of Nvidia H200 processors to Chinese tech firms to bolster domestic AI capabilities.
China has eased restrictions on Nvidia’s H200 AI chips, allowing small-scale shipments to domestic tech companies like ByteDance and Tencent. Each firm reportedly received around 10,000 chips in recent weeks, signaling a shift in Beijing’s stance toward prioritizing AI competitiveness over concerns about reliance on U.S. hardware.
The move follows U.S. export controls aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced semiconductors. However, logistical constraints, including insufficient local infrastructure, have led to most H200 stockpiles remaining in Hong Kong rather than being deployed on the mainland.
For Nvidia and the semiconductor sector, the policy shift could expand its addressable market in China, a key driver of chip stock volatility this year. The decision underscores the ongoing tech rivalry between Washington and Beijing, with both sides adjusting export rules to gain an edge in AI development.