Photos showing Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun smiling together have circulated widely on Chinese social media, initially published by Sina Hot Topics (新浪热点). The images, which appear to be taken informally, show the two executives standing close together—one version features them beside a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric vehicle.

While the exact date and location of the image remain unconfirmed, both Huang and Lei are dressed in long sleeves, prompting online speculation about whether the photo was taken recently. Some users noted that additional video footage appears to support a recent date.

Nvidia responded, “These are not photos we published. We are not sure of the details.” A source familiar with the matter told Chinese media that a bystander captured the photo during a private client visit and was not part of Huang’s public itinerary. The source declined to disclose when the photo was taken, as reported by IT-Home.

The appearance of the image comes just days ahead of Huang’s scheduled trip to Beijing. He is expected to host a media briefing on July 16 and attend the China International Supply Chain Expo. It will be Huang’s third trip to China in 2025.

Nvidia’s engagement with the Chinese market has drawn increased scrutiny this year, particularly amid tightened U.S. semiconductor export controls. According to the company, export restrictions have led to a combined revenue loss of 13.5 billion USD across the first and second quarters of 2025. As a result, Huang’s visits have attracted significant industry attention.

The Xiaomi YU7 and SU7, including its Ultra variant seen in the photo, feature the Nvidia Drive Orin/ Orin X system-on-chip to support Xiaomi’s in-house Pilot Pro assisted driving platform. The Orin chips handle perception and planning tasks for Xiaomi’s highway and urban assisted driving capabilities. Xiaomi has positioned its assisted driving system as a competitive feature in its transition to smart EVs.

During his April visit to Beijing, Huang stated in an interview that mainland China is a “significant market” for Nvidia and emphasised the company’s hope to continue cooperation. Earlier, in January, he travelled to Shenzhen and Beijing for internal events, where he distributed year-end bonuses and met with staff.

Huang and Lei have a long-standing relationship. In 2013, Huang joined Lei Jun on stage at the Xiaomi Mi 3 launch, promoting Nvidia’s Tegra chipset. Huang delivered his speech entirely in Chinese and jokingly declared himself a “Mi fan,” the term for Xiaomi enthusiasts.

Twelve years later, their recent reunion—though unofficial—highlights ongoing links between two leading figures at the intersection of global semiconductors, smartphones, and EV development.