Trump Declares Nvidia Blackwell AI Chip Will Not Be Available For 'Other People': President Says Tech Is Decades Ahead Of Competition
News Summary
President Donald Trump has declared that Nvidia’s advanced Blackwell AI chip will not be available to “other people.” This decision stems from concerns among Washington's “China hawks” that the technology could enhance China’s military and AI capabilities, despite Trump previously hinting at discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the matter, which did not occur at a recent summit in South Korea. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated the company has not sought U.S. export licenses for China, though he remains optimistic about resuming sales there in the future. Concurrently, Nvidia plans to supply over 260,000 Blackwell AI chips to South Korea, including major firms like Samsung Electronics. The Blackwell chip is pivotal for Nvidia’s financial future, with analysts projecting $5 billion to $6 billion in revenue next quarter, underpinning Nvidia’s recent surge past a $5 trillion market capitalization.
Background
The United States and China have been engaged in intense strategic competition over advanced technologies, particularly semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The Trump administration has consistently aimed to restrict China's access to critical technologies that could be used for military or surveillance purposes. Nvidia, as the world's leading AI chip manufacturer, plays a central role in AI development. The Blackwell series of chips is considered the next generation breakthrough in AI computing, holding immense strategic value. Washington's “China hawks” have long advocated for stricter technology export controls on China to curb its military modernization and AI advancement.
In-Depth AI Insights
What are the true strategic intentions behind the Trump administration's move? - Ostensibly framed as national security, the deeper motive may be to leverage technological superiority as a geopolitical bargaining chip, compelling China to make concessions in other areas. - By strictly controlling AI chip exports, the U.S. aims to decelerate China's indigenous innovation and military applications in AI, thereby maintaining its long-term technological hegemony. - This also serves as a political stance to domestic voters and hardliners in Congress, demonstrating the government's resolve in safeguarding national interests. What are Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang's potential strategies in response to these restrictions? - Nvidia may continue to explore