Chinese military-linked universities seek Nvidia H200 chips

Chinese military-linked universities and research institutions have been actively seeking access to advanced U.S.-designed artificial intelligence chips, according to a review of public procurement records. The efforts target Nvidia's H200 processors, the most powerful AI chips currently permitted for export to China under U.S. regulations, as well as older restricted models.

At least seven Chinese universities with ties to the country's armed forces and defense industry are pursuing the H200 chips. Two of these institutions, Beihang University and Northwestern Polytechnical University, are part of an elite group known as the "Seven Sons of National Defense," which is dedicated to aiding the People's Liberation Army. Both universities are on a U.S. Commerce Department blacklist due to their work advancing China's military. Records indicate these schools are seeking to lease access to the H200 chips for computing power.

A separate, broader analysis of procurement data suggests the Chinese military's pursuit of Nvidia technology is extensive and long-standing. A review of approximately 3,800 records related to high-end chips and computing from 2019 to 2025 identified about 500...