Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is in Shanghai, according to sources familiar with the matter, as the U.S. semiconductor giant faces growing competition from Chinese chipmakers and heightened regulatory scrutiny from authorities in China. His visit comes at a sensitive time for Nvidia, which is navigating complex geopolitical and trade tensions between the United States and China.

The timing of Huang’s trip is described as routine, as it traditionally coincides with Nvidia’s annual celebrations with its China-based employees. During his stay, Huang is expected to attend a company event in Shanghai before traveling on to Beijing and Shenzhen, and later continuing to Taiwan, people with knowledge of the plans said.

Nvidia, which is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, did not respond to requests for comment. Chinese media outlet Tencent News was the first to report Huang’s presence in Shanghai on Friday. Huang has maintained regular engagement with China, having visited the country at least three times last year, including a meeting with China’s commerce minister in July.

At the same time, Nvidia is awaiting a decision from Beijing on whether it will be permitted to sell its advanced H200 artificial intelligence chip to customers in China. While U.S. authorities have already approved sales of the chip, Chinese officials have reportedly instructed customs agents not to allow the H200 to enter the country. It remains unclear whether this directive represents a formal ban or a temporary restriction.

The H200 chip, Nvidia’s second most powerful AI processor, has become a focal point in U.S.-China technology tensions. Although Chinese demand remains strong, uncertainty persists over whether Beijing may block the chip to support domestic manufacturers, impose selective limits, or use the issue as leverage in negotiations with Washington.