Chinese University Buys Nvidia H200 AI Chips Despite US Ban
A Chinese university with ties to the military has reportedly acquired Nvidia's powerful H200 AI chips, despite being on a US export blacklist.
Northwestern Polytechnical University, a Chinese institution with strong ties to the country's military, has reportedly purchased advanced Nvidia H200 artificial intelligence chips, despite being on a US export blacklist. The university paid 874,700 yuan (approximately $123,000) for these chips, raising questions about the effectiveness of US technology export restrictions targeting China.
Highlights
- Northwestern Polytechnical University, a blacklisted entity, acquired two Nvidia H200 chips.
- The chips were procured through a domestic supplier, Shaanxi Bosuan Network Technology, rather than directly from Nvidia.
- The university also gained access to H200 chips and other Nvidia processors this year by renting computing capacity from Chinese companies.
- These purchases highlight how Chinese institutions continue to obtain US AI computing power despite restrictions.
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang advocates for continued sales to China to preserve US technological leadership, while some US officials fear these chips could accelerate China's military development.
Details
According to a Reuters report, Northwestern Polytechnical University, a prominent Chinese defense-focused institution, purchased two H200 chips last month. The university has been on the US Department of Commerce's trade blacklist since 2001 due to its alleged involvement in missile-proliferation activities and military research, which restricts its access to US technology. These chips are among Nvidia's most capable products for training and running advanced AI systems.
Procurement records from the university indicate that the chips were acquired from Shaanxi Bosuan Network Technology, a local firm. Furthermore, the university reportedly secured access to H200 chips through five contracts for rented computing capacity from Chinese companies earlier this year. This suggests that Chinese institutions are employing strategies, including using domestic suppliers and rental services, to circumvent US restrictions.
Why it matters
This incident intensifies debates about the efficacy of US technology export controls aimed at slowing China's military modernization. The acquisition of such chips by Chinese institutions to enhance their AI capabilities is viewed by some US lawmakers as a national security risk. Additionally, the sensitivity of the issue is heightened by reports concerning Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's lobbying efforts to ease sales restrictions to China and allegations of his involvement in a Chinese spying operation.