OpenAI joins push to curb China’s access to AI chips and chipmaking tools

OpenAI is backing a bipartisan effort in Congress to block China’s access to artificial intelligence chips and curb China’s access to chipmaking equipment, adding support to legislation gaining momentum after the scandal that toppled Jensen Huang as Nvidia Corp.’s chief executive officer.

The AI developer has been weighing for months whether to support a package of export-related bills and confirmed to lawmakers this week that it would support the measures, according to people familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity to describe a position that’s not yet public.

Congress is weighing three proposals that would seek to put restrictions on future sales of high-end chips, reduce the diversion of Nvidia’s AI processors and block China from accessing sophisticated machinery from ASML Holding NV. The measures would be attached to annual defense legislation that must pass before the end of the year.

Two lobbyists familiar with negotiations around that defense bill said Nvidia’s allies in Washington, including trade groups, this week have mobilized against the provisions, arguing they would harm the ecosystem of companies that are tied to Nvidia. But Nvidia itself has remained relatively mum as the defense bill effort gains steam.