Explained: Nvidia, DeepSeek and the PLA in America’s Chip War with China
America’s AI chip war with China just sharpened. A US lawmaker says Nvidia-linked technology may have ended up inside China’s military and wants export rules tightened, fast. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the controversy about?
A senior US lawmaker has warned that Nvidia technology may have been used by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) via a Chinese AI firm called DeepSeek.
Who raised the alarm?
John Moolenaar, Chairman of the US House Select Committee on China, in a letter to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
What exactly is Nvidia accused of?
The allegation is not direct sales to the PLA but that Nvidia provided technical assistance to DeepSeek, whose AI systems were later incorporated into PLA operations.
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is a Chinese Communist Party-backed AI firm that US lawmakers say does not operate like a normal commercial platform.
Why is DeepSeek seen as a security risk?
According to US investigators, DeepSeek routed American user data back to China, used infrastructure linked to a Chinese military company, altered outputs to align with CCP propaganda and censorship, and allegedly misappropriated intellectual property from US AI firms
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Where do Nvidia chips come in?
Documents reviewed by the committee claim DeepSeek operated using advanced Nvidia chips that were already restricted under US export controls.
What does Nvidia say?
Nvidia has said its engagement was meant to support the AI ecosystem and improve its products, not to enable military use.
Why isn’t that explanation enough for lawmakers?
Because the committee says the technical support was extensive enough to help DeepSeek build advanced AI systems that later entered PLA use.
What rule is now under scrutiny?
The H200 export rule, which requires certification that exported chips will not be used for military purposes.
What does Moolenaar want the US to do?
Two things. First, tighten and clarify chip export rules so PLA-linked entities cannot exploit loopholes even if it blocks exports entirely. Second, impose stricter controls on Chinese AI models entering the US, including those from DeepSeek, Alibaba and Tencent
Why does this matter beyond Nvidia?
Because it highlights how civilian AI, military systems, and global tech supply chains are increasingly intertwined, making enforcement of chip controls far harder.
What’s the bigger picture?
This is less about one company and more about how the US polices AI and semiconductor power in an era of strategic rivalry with China.
(With inputs from ANI)