美破获1.6亿美元AI芯片走私案，两名华裔被捕

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant case of high-tech chip smuggling involving two Chinese nationals who were arrested for illegally exporting over $160 million worth of Nvidia high-end AI chips to China, posing a direct threat to U.S. national security [1][2]. Case Details - The suspects, Fanyue Gong and Benlin Yuan, conspired with employees from a Hong Kong logistics company and a Chinese AI tech firm to circumvent U.S. export control policies. They operated since November 2023, altering Nvidia H100 and H200 chip labels to disguise their true destination [2]. - Another individual, Alan Hao Hsu, has pleaded guilty in connection with the case. The prosecution emphasized that these chips, used for AI training and high-performance computing, have potential military applications [2]. Chip Performance and Regulatory Background - Nvidia's H100 and H200 chips are critical for training large models, with the H200 chip, released in November 2023, boasting an FP16 computing power of 1979T, which is approximately 13 times more powerful than the downgraded H20 chip designed for the Chinese market [3]. - Since 2022, the U.S. has tightened export controls on advanced chips to China, including the H100 and H200, leading Nvidia to develop a downgraded version for the Chinese market [3]. Policy Background and Market Impact - On the same day the case was announced, former President Trump allowed Nvidia to sell H200 chips to "approved customers" in China, with the condition that the U.S. government would take a 25% cut from sales. This decision is seen as a significant lobbying victory for Nvidia, potentially recovering billions in lost business in the Chinese market [4]. - Nvidia's CEO previously stated that due to U.S. export controls, the company completely exited the Chinese market, with its market share dropping from 95% to 0% [4]. Enforcement Strengthening - U.S. prosecutors highlighted the complexity of the smuggling network, which aimed to supply advanced AI chips to entities that could use them against U.S. interests, threatening national security. These chips are considered foundational for AI superiority and modern military applications [5]. - Nvidia's spokesperson noted that the export control system is robust, with strict scrutiny even on second-hand products, and the company will continue to collaborate with the government and clients to prevent smuggling [5].