WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (Bernama-dpa) -- The FBI is investigating allegations of Chinese espionage linked to an affair involving Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Monday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump did not say whether Huang himself was under investigation.
US chipmaker Nvidia had earlier launched its own investigation following reports that Huang had been targeted by foreign intelligence agents.
The inquiry will be overseen by board members and external investigators.
Media reports in recent days alleged that Huang had an affair with a woman suspected by US intelligence officials of having been recruited by Chinese intelligence.
Huang acknowledged the affair in an email to Nvidia employees.
The Nvidia chief has developed close ties with Trump in recent years, and the president again defended him during the press conference.
Trump said he had spoken to Huang earlier on Monday and asked whether he had known about the woman’s alleged espionage activities.
Trump said: ‘He told me, “I had no idea that she was a spy,” and I really believe him.’
Asked whether he would raise the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping at their next meeting, Trump replied: “No, I don't think so.”
The two leaders could meet for the third time this year in just over a week on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.
-- BERNAMA-dpa