Nvidia's CEO and founder Jensen Huang receives the Vinfuture Prize for his scientific contributions, in Hanoi on Dec. 6. AFP-Yonhap

China on Monday launched an investigation into U.S. chip giant Nvidia for allegedly violating its anti-monopoly laws, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Beijing's state administration for market regulation, the authority on antitrust issues, launched the probe "in accordance with the law," according to CCTV.

Nvidia is also suspected of violating commitments it made in 2020, when it acquired Mellanox Technologies, CCTV said.

Shares in Nvidia dropped Monday after China announced its investigation.

China and the United States have in recent weeks clashed over exports of key chipmaking technology, in which Nvidia is a major player.

Beijing last week said it would restrict exports to the United States of some key components in making semiconductors, after Washington announced curbs targeting China's ability to make advanced chips.

Among the materials banned from export are metals gallium, antimony and germanium, China's commerce ministry said in a statement that cited "national security" concerns.

In its own latest curbs, Washington has announced restrictions on sales to 140 companies, including Chinese chip firms Piotech and SiCarrier, without additional permission.

The move expands Washington's efforts to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, which can be used in advanced weapons systems and artificial intelligence.

The new U.S. rules also include controls on two dozen types of chip-making equipment and three kinds of software tools for developing or producing semiconductors. (AFP)