Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted being unfaithful to his wife, two days after reports emerged that US intelligence officials believe he had a romantic relationship with a Chinese woman suspected of spying for China.

Huang made the admission in an internal message to employees on Sunday, saying: “I owe my family and all of you an apology. 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.”

In a separate statement, Nvidia announced that its board would launch an independent investigation following reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

Huang pledged to co-operate fully, saying: “My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to Nvidia and will work to earn back your confidence.”

The Financial Times had reported that US intelligence officials believe Huang was romantically involved with Alice Huang, an executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based Nvidia customer, who was allegedly recruited by China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).

Nvidia had previously dismissed suggestions of an improper relationship, describing their interactions as “nothing unusual or unexpected” in the course of dealing with a customer.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump defended Huang, describing him as someone who had done an “amazing job” for America.

Asked whether he regretted not acting on the intelligence reports, Trump said: “No, I don’t think so. I think he’s an honourable guy. I think he probably has an excuse for it. You have to hear it.”

“I have not spoken to him about it. I just know he’s a fine person, but you never know what is going on,” he added.