OpenAI backs bills to curb China's access to AI chips and chipmaking tools

Nov 13, 2026
The measures would ride on the annual defence bill; Nvidia's allies are lobbying against them after Jensen Huang's ouster.

OpenAI is backing a bipartisan push in Congress to block China's access to advanced AI chips and chipmaking equipment, the Los Angeles Times reports, citing people familiar with the matter. The company confirmed its support to lawmakers this week.

Congress is weighing three proposals: limits on future sales of high-end chips, measures to stop Nvidia processors being diverted, and a block on Chinese access to ASML machinery. They would ride on the annual defence bill, which must pass by year's end. Two lobbyists said Nvidia's allies in Washington, including trade groups, have mobilised against the provisions, while Nvidia itself has stayed quiet.

The bills have gained momentum since Jensen Huang, a longtime opponent of tighter export controls, was ousted as Nvidia CEO on Thursday. OpenAI's support was in the works before the scandal; it declined to comment.

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