China has told some technology companies it will approve purchases of Nvidia’s H200 artificial intelligence chips only under “special circumstances,” such as for university research, a report said. The guidance suggests Beijing remains cautious about expanding access to Nvidia’s most advanced AI processors, which are widely used in data centres and for running complex AI applications.
China Nvidia chips guidance: “special circumstances”
According to the report, Chinese authorities issued what was described as a deliberately vague directive to some firms, instructing them to buy the chips only when “necessary,” without defining what qualifies. The directive was delivered to some companies this week, and officials may hold further meetings with additional firms to deliver the same message.
Earlier direction to pause H200 orders
The reported instruction follows earlier guidance that some companies should temporarily halt H200 orders while the government considered whether, and under what conditions, to allow access to the chips, the report said. It added that Beijing aimed to discourage companies from rushing to stockpile U.S. chips ahead of any decision.
Nvidia between U.S. controls and China policy
The developments underscore Nvidia’s position amid U.S.-China technology tensions, with Washington weighing tighter export controls on advanced technology and Beijing encouraging local firms to prioritize domestic AI capabilities. Nvidia and the Chinese embassy in the United States did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the report said.
