Trump adds Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to high-stakes China summit

In a dramatic last-minute development, Nvidia's billionaire chief executive, Jensen Huang, has joined President Donald Trump's high-profile delegation to China. Huang was reportedly not on the initial list of business delegates, an absence that had sparked considerable discussion.

However, according to a source familiar with the matter, President Trump personally called the tech boss to invite him after media reports noted he was not part of the group.

The Nvidia founder, whose company's advanced chips are the driving force behind the global AI boom, was reportedly seen boarding the presidential plane in Alaska. His participation was later officially confirmed by Trump on social media, who took the opportunity to criticise the news outlet CNBC for its reporting. The president stated they had "incorrectly reported that the Great Jensen Huang, of Nvidia, was not invited to the incredible gathering of the World's Greatest Businessmen/women proudly going to China.

In actuality, Jensen is currently on Air Force One." An Nvidia spokesperson confirmed Huang's attendance, stating: "Jensen is attending the summit at the invitation of President Trump to support America and the administration's goals."

America's tech elite head to Beijing

Huang now joins a roster of US bosses for a 36-hour summit with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. The delegation reads like a who's who of American industry, including Tesla chief executive and X owner, Elon Musk, Apple's chief executive, Tim Cook, and Goldman Sachs's David Solomon.

President Trump later went on to confirm he was also accompanied by other leaders, including BlackRock's Larry Fink, Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman, Boeing's Kelly Ortberg and Citi's Jane Fraser. The group of 17 American CEOs is reportedly smaller than the delegation that accompanied Trump on his previous visit in 2017, suggesting a more focused and strategic gathering.

High stakes on the global stage

The summit, which marks Trump's first overseas trip since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February, is set against a backdrop of significant global tension. The agenda is expected to be packed with critical topics, including the ongoing conflict, tense trade relations, tariffs, and the sensitive issue of China's relationship with Taiwan.

President Trump has made his economic intentions clear. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he announced his primary goal for the meeting. "I will be asking President Xi, a leader of extraordinary distinction, to 'open up' China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People's Republic to an even higher level!" he wrote.

Navigating sensitive tech tensions

Huang’s presence is particularly noteworthy given the fierce competition between the US and China for dominance in artificial intelligence. Washington has implemented strict export controls designed to restrict China’s access to the very high-end chips that Nvidia produces, a move that has directly impacted the company's business.

For his part, Huang has been pushing for greater access to the Chinese market, which he has previously said represents a massive $50bn (£36.9bn) opportunity for his company. His last-minute inclusion is seen by many as a signal of the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry in the complex economic relationship between the two nations.

The billionaire behind the AI boom

Earlier this week, Jensen Huang was declared the world's seventh richest person, overtaking the Dell founder, Michael Dell, following a massive surge in Nvidia's share price. According to Forbes' real-time billionaire's list, Huang's net worth hit an astonishing $191.5bn, largely thanks to the rising value of his three per cent stake in the chipmaker.

This incredible wealth comes despite him having seen his pay package for the 2026 financial year fall by 27% to $36.6m. That drop was reportedly due to a dip in Nvidia's stock value last year, as some investors were spooked by chatter over a potential AI market bubble.