Chinese companies developing artificial intelligence are trying to secure advance leases on Nvidia’s computing power in overseas data centres. They fear that the United States will soon restrict not only the supply of advanced American processors to China, but also remote access to them via cloud services. Some developers have already approached data centre operators in South-East Asia to secure the capacity needed to train and run their AI models.
- Chinese AI developers are trying to secure Nvidia’s computing power overseas.
- Data centres in South-East Asian countries are of particular interest.
- The US is considering restricting remote access to cutting-edge American processors.
- The House of Representatives has already backed the Remote Access Security Act.
- Fears of new sanctions are also driving up demand for Nvidia’s scarce chips.
Chinese companies are seeking access to Nvidia outside the country
One of China’s major cloud service providers has been discussing the possibility of securing Nvidia’s computing resources abroad in advance. Other companies have already approached data centre operators with requests to reserve capacity.
According to Reuters sources, small artificial intelligence laboratories are also considering similar options. Data centres in South-East Asia are of particular interest to them.
The agency has not disclosed the names of the companies involved in the negotiations. Nor is there any confirmation that all the deals under discussion have already been finalised.
US restrictions are making it difficult for China to purchase the most powerful graphics processing units directly Nvidia. At the same time, developers can rent servers physically located in other countries and access their computing power via the internet.
Such processors are used for training large language models and powering generative artificial intelligence systems.
The US is preparing to impose restrictions on remote access to chips
Washington is considering tightening controls on the use of US technology via overseas cloud platforms.
The Remote Access Security Act could become a key legislative instrument. The bill provides for an extension of the powers of the US Department of Commerce so that export controls also apply to remote access to controlled technologies.
On 12 January, the House of Representatives approved the bill by 369 votes to 22. It is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate.
Furthermore, according to The Information, the US authorities are drawing up specific regulations that could restrict Chinese developers’ access to advanced processors via data centres in other countries. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are among the countries potentially affected by the new measures.
Fears of sanctions are fuelling demand for Nvidia chips
The uncertainty surrounding US restrictions is not limited to the cloud computing market. According to Reuters, Chinese intermediaries have begun stockpiling cutting-edge Nvidia processors, the supply of which to China is restricted.
Demand has risen amid fears that Washington will step up its efforts to combat the illegal resale of chips and server equipment.
Earlier, US prosecutors brought charges against Super Micro Computer co-founder Yixian Liao and two other individuals in connection with the alleged illegal diversion of servers fitted with Nvidia processors to China. According to the investigation, an intermediary company purchased servers worth approximately $2.5 billion between 2024 and 2025. The defendants have not been found guilty.
For Chinese developers, any restrictions on overseas cloud services would mean losing one of their channels of access to the most powerful artificial intelligence hardware. At the same time, the new rules could also affect data centre operators who receive orders from Chinese technology companies.
