(DCNF)—A Chinese university closely tied to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) purchased powerful American artificial intelligence chips despite spending more than two decades on a U.S. export blacklist.
Northwestern Polytechnical University purchased two Nvidia H200 processors for approximately $123,000 through a domestic Chinese supplier, Reuters reported, citing university procurement records. The discovery raises questions about Washington’s ability to prevent advanced American technology from reaching institutions connected to Beijing’s military modernization efforts.
The university, located in Xi’an, belongs to China’s so-called “Seven Sons of National Defense,” a collection of universities conducting extensive military-related research, including work on aircraft, missiles and satellites, Reuters reported.
Washington first blacklisted Northwestern Polytechnical in 2001 over its alleged involvement in missile proliferation and military research, according to the Commerce Department’s Entity List. Federal officials subsequently strengthened those restrictions, generally denying export licenses for controlled American technology.
However, the university’s access to American computing power extended considerably beyond its latest purchase.
An examination of 26 Chinese procurement and corporate records identified multiple universities and research institutions purchasing restricted American processors or renting access to Nvidia-powered computing systems, Reuters reported.
Wuhan University of Technology purchased a server containing an Nvidia H100 processor for roughly $50,000 in June, according to its procurement records.
Chinese efforts to acquire American technology stretch back decades. Two Chinese-born engineers were arrested in 2001 while attempting to board a flight to China carrying stolen semiconductor trade secrets belonging to Sun Microsystems and Transmeta, later pleading guilty to economic espionage, according to the Justice Department.
A former Boeing engineer was sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison in 2010 for stealing American aerospace technology, including information concerning the Space Shuttle and Delta IV rocket, for the Chinese government, according to the Justice Department. The engineer, Dongfan “Greg” Chung, maintained contact with Chinese officials and collected restricted technical documents over several decades.
Another Chinese national was convicted in 2020 of stealing semiconductor trade secrets from American technology companies Avago and Skyworks to benefit Beijing, according to the Justice Department. The individual, Hao Zhang, worked with Tianjin University to obtain proprietary technology used in wireless communications.
A former General Electric engineer was sentenced to two years in prison in 2023 after conspiring to steal proprietary turbine technology for Chinese companies and research institutions, according to the Justice Department. The engineer, Xiaoqing Zheng, exploited his access to American industrial technology to support Chinese interests.
Beijing’s alleged intelligence operations have also extended into American politics. A suspected Chinese operative known as Fang Fang, or Christine Fang, cultivated relationships with California politicians, helped raise funds for Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell’s 2014 reelection campaign and assisted in placing an intern in his congressional office, Axios reported, citing U.S. intelligence officials.
The FBI warned Swalwell about Fang in 2015, after which he severed contact with her, according to Axios. Swalwell was never accused of wrongdoing, and the House Ethics Committee closed its investigation into his interactions with Fang without taking further action in 2023, according to the committee’s letter.
A similar controversy has now engulfed Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who acknowledged an extramarital affair following reports that a Chinese businesswoman he had developed a relationship with was recruited by Beijing’s intelligence services to collect information about him, according to the New York Times. The woman, Alice Huang, previously worked as an executive at Singapore-based computing company Megaspeed, an Nvidia cloud partner.
Nvidia’s board launched an independent investigation into whether its chief executive was targeted by Chinese intelligence, although it said there was no reason to believe American national security information or company secrets had been compromised, according to the company’s Nov. 8 statement. Three Republican congressional chairmen separately requested a closed-door briefing concerning Huang’s interactions with Alice Huang and potential espionage vulnerabilities, according to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The Trump administration relaxed certain restrictions on H200 exports to China in January, allowing American officials to consider licenses individually rather than automatically rejecting applications, according to the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
However, that policy did not eliminate restrictions on blacklisted Chinese institutions or military end-users, according to the agency’s export regulations.
The department argued that permitting carefully controlled semiconductor exports would strengthen American technological leadership while maintaining national security protections, according to the agency’s announcement.
“Permitting the sale of the H200 to China under controlled conditions will strengthen the American technology ecosystem,” Under Secretary for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler said in the announcement.
The findings arrive as American lawmakers scrutinize Nvidia’s push to loosen semiconductor restrictions on China, amid concerns that advanced AI computing could accelerate Beijing’s weapons development and intelligence capabilities, Reuters reported.
Three Republican congressional committee chairmen have requested a November 18 briefing with Nvidia’s chief executive over separate allegations involving a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, according to Reuters.
The investigation did not establish where the purchased processors originated, whether the transactions violated American law or whether the hardware was used for military purposes.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
