Chinese Military-Linked Universities Bought Super Micro Servers with Banned Nvidia A100 Chips
Four Chinese universities, including two with PLA ties, acquired Super Micro servers equipped with U.S.-restricted Nvidia AI chips over the past year, procurement data shows. Two additional universities, one military-linked, tendered for similar systems but outcome is unclear, intensifying U.S. export-control scrutiny of advanced processors.
1. Chinese Universities Purchase
Procurement records reveal four Chinese universities, including two linked to the People’s Liberation Army, purchased Super Micro servers containing U.S.-restricted Nvidia AI chips over the past year. Two other institutions, one with military ties, submitted tenders for similar systems in 2025 and early 2026, though it remains unclear if those orders were fulfilled.
2. U.S. Export Restrictions
Since 2022, U.S. regulators have banned sales of advanced GPUs such as the Nvidia A100 to China, citing risks of military application. Nvidia maintains it collaborates with customers and U.S. authorities to navigate expanding export regulations and ensure compliance.
3. Lawmakers Seek License Pause
Following indictments of individuals linked to Super Micro for alleged smuggling of U.S. AI technology to China, two U.S. senators urged the Commerce Secretary to suspend all export licenses for advanced Nvidia chips and server systems destined for China or Southeast Asian intermediaries.