That message appears to have resonated in Washington. Nvidia confirmed last week that it had received US government approval to resume H20 sales to China. While Nvidia is poised to benefit financially, US officials say the move also serves national interests.

As the top chip company, Nvidia's chips are in high demand from the largest companies, like Amazon and Microsoft, that are building out huge AI businesses. They themselves are serving other giants with AI tools and services in partnership with Nvidia, offering access to the chipmaker's powerful technology.

Nvidia has told its Chinese customers it has limited supplies of H20 chips, the most powerful AI chip it had been allowed to sell to China under U.S. export restrictions, The Information reported on Saturday.