US tech giant Nvidia has opened an independent investigation following reports its CEO Jensen Huang had a relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.

The chip-making giant said its board had no reason to believe the company's secrets or national security were compromised, adding that the CEO was committed to continuing to lead the company.

Separately, Jensen Huang admitted to having been "unfaithful" to his wife and apologised for hurting her and their children.

US intelligence officials believed that Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, who had a close relationship with Huang, was a spy for China's Ministry of State Security, according to a New York Times report.

Jensen Huang said he took "full responsibility" for what he did, and said he had fallen short of his responsibilities to Nvidia's employees, board and shareholders.

Nvidia is one of the world's largest companies and seen as central to making the hardware for emerging AI technologies.

Its CEO said: "I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry."

His statement continued: "Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, NVIDIA's Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. I support the investigation and will cooperate fully.

"I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America's national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American."

A separate statement issued by Nvidia's board of directors said it would begin an investigation in "light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort".

It continued: "The Board prioritizes U.S. national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders.

"While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the Board's inquiry will examine all available information."

China has previously rejected allegations of an espionage operation targeting Nvidia's chief, describing the claims as "groundless speculation".

US intelligence agencies had been monitoring Alice Huang and concluded that she was acting on behalf of the Chinese government, according to unnamed sources cited by The New York Times.

Surveillance reportedly revealed communications between Alice Huang and an American citizen, who was subsequently identified as Jensen Huang through a process known as "unmasking".

It remains unclear what information Alice Huang - who is also known as Huang Le - allegedly passed to Beijing, how valuable it was, or when she is believed to have begun gathering intelligence.

Alice Huang did not respond to the paper's request for comment.