Key Takeaways:
- Trump personally invited Huang after the media highlighted his absence.
- Huang joined tech leaders Tim Cook and Elon Musk to lobby.
- NVIDIA’s presence is critical as Trump seeks a better partnership despite ongoing AI chip export restrictions.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump personally asked him to join a high-profile summit in Beijing focused on trade and U.S.-China business ties.
Jensen Huang Joins Delegation After Initial Absence
Huang told reporters in Beijing that Trump requested his participation after early reports noted his absence from the delegation list released earlier this week.
“President Trump asked me to come,” Huang said on the sidelines of the summit. He called the gathering “one of the most important summits in human history” and said he was there to represent the United States and support the president.
Trump contacted Huang after media reports questioned why the Nvidia chief executive was not included in the original delegation. The source said Huang later traveled to Alaska to board Air Force One with the president.
Trump later confirmed Jensen Huang’s presence in a social media post and denied reports that the Nvidia executive had not been invited.
Trade Talks Dominate Beijing Meetings
Trade and market access remain central issues during the Beijing summit as Trump seeks stronger business opportunities for U.S. companies operating in China.
Trump said opening China to American businesses would be his “first request” to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In remarks posted online, Trump said U.S. executives could help China reach “an even higher level” if business restrictions are eased.
The U.S. delegation includes several major business leaders, including Elon Musk of Tesla, Tim Cook of Apple, Larry Fink of BlackRock, and Kelly Ortberg of Boeing.
The summit comes as Washington and Beijing continue discussions over technology exports, tariffs, and investment rules affecting both economies.
Jensen Huang Praises U.S.-China Relations
Huang praised the tone of the meetings and described both leaders as welcoming during Thursday’s opening ceremony.
“President Xi was very inspiring, very welcoming, and President Trump was very inspiring and very welcoming,” Huang said.
He also said the relationship between Trump and Xi creates an opportunity to improve cooperation between the two countries.
“The two presidents have such a wonderful relationship,” Jensen Huang said. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to rely on the relationships to build a much, much better partnership.”
Huang’s participation draws attention because Nvidia remains one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence chipmakers and a major player in ongoing U.S.-China technology tensions. The company has faced restrictions on advanced chip exports to China amid broader national security concerns from Washington.
The Beijing summit continues through the week, with additional meetings between government officials and business executives expected.
