China’s state-run People’s Daily has called on Nvidia to provide “convincing security proofs” to address concerns over potential risks in its chips and restore trust among Chinese users. In a pointed commentary titled “Nvidia, how can I trust you?” published on the newspaper’s social media, it emphasized that foreign companies must prioritize security and comply with Chinese laws.

The statement follows heightened scrutiny from Beijing, particularly regarding Nvidia’s H20 AI chip, after the Cyberspace Administration of China raised alarms about possible backdoor security risks that could compromise user data and privacy. The regulator summoned Nvidia for a meeting to clarify whether the H20 chip contains hidden methods to bypass security controls, especially in light of a U.S. proposal to equip advanced chips sold abroad with tracking and positioning features.

An Nvidia spokesperson, responding to Reuters, underscored the company’s commitment to cybersecurity, stating, “NVIDIA does not have ‘backdoors’ in our chips that would give anyone a remote way to access or control them.” The concerns come shortly after the reversal of a U.S. export ban, casting uncertainty over Nvidia’s sales outlook in China.

The People’s Daily commentary reflects growing tensions as China seeks to safeguard its data sovereignty while navigating the global AI chip market.