Alice Huang, accused of spying for China while having an affair with Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, used a Hong Kong passport to enter Taiwan, the island's immigration agency said on Wednesday. The authorities are investigating the matter.
Jensen Huang has acknowledged having an affair with Alice Huang, a former Chinese executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed who US officials believe was working for Chinese intelligence. Beijing has rejected the spying allegations.
Nvidia's board announced on Sunday that it had opened an investigation into Jensen Huang, the company's chief executive and co-founder, who is not related to Alice Huang.
Taiwan reviews entry procedures
“Our government's relevant agencies are fully informed of the relevant records and information,” National Immigration Agency Director-General Lin Horng-en told reporters, confirming that Alice Huang had used a Hong Kong passport to enter Taiwan.
“We were aware of all her relevant entry and exit records,” he said.
It is generally easier for Hong Kong passport holders to enter Taiwan than for mainland Chinese passport holders, who must also apply for special permission to travel there.
The additional restrictions are partly due to the complex relations between China and Taiwan, which Beijing claims and has vowed to bring under its control.
Taiwan's Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang told lawmakers in parliament that Alice Huang “did indeed enter the country, but she is currently overseas”.
“If we had known she was a spy, we certainly would not have let her enter Taiwan,” Liu said.
“We will review our procedures, specifically our pre-screening, interim spot checks and interviews, and post-visit measures,” she added.
Liu said Alice Huang's permit had been revoked, making it impossible for her to enter Taiwan again.
On Tuesday, Liu said Taiwan's national security agencies were actively investigating the matter.
