Microsoft Asks Some Employees In China To Move To Other Countries

According to Chinese official media, Microsoft has asked at least 100 employees in China to consider migrating to other nations.

The reports come as tensions between Beijing and Washington deteriorate over technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy.

Microsoft personnel, particularly involved in cloud computing, were recently offered opportunities to work in the United States, Australia, or Ireland, among other nations, according to a report published Wednesday by state-run media The Paper, citing an unnamed source.

Microsoft: Getty Image

Microsoft Asks Some Employees In China To Move To Other Countries

According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft has urged up to 800 employees, most Chinese engineers working on cloud computing and artificial intelligence, to consider relocating. Last year, the Journal reported, citing anonymous sources, that the Biden administration was planning to restrict Chinese corporations’ access to US cloud services.

CNN has contacted Microsoft for comment.

According to a statement from Microsoft (MSFT) that Reuters cited, the company was still committed to China and that giving some employees internal opportunities was part of its regular business.

The business first entered China in 1992, and for decades, it relied on its influential Beijing-based research lab, Microsoft Research Lab Asia, to gain influence.

“Everyone is confused,” an employee told the paper, noting that the impacted employees have less than a month to decide.

Microsoft: AP image

Microsoft Asks Some Employees In China To Move To Other Countries

Yicai, a Chinese state-owned financial media site, reported that over 100 staff were affected. It also said that residents had the option not to move.

The reports come the same week President Joe Biden proposed duties on $18 billion in Chinese electric vehicle imports and other products. Biden stated that he was working to prevent unfair competition from China and the US industry from being decimated.

The two economic superpowers have been at odds in the technological realm for years. In October, the Biden administration restricted the semiconductors that American companies may export to China.

In recent months, the United States has joined with its European and Asian partners to block China’s supplies of advanced chipmaking equipment.

Microsoft: Image AP

Microsoft Asks Some Employees In China To Move To Other Countries

Beijing has responded by setting its restrictions on shipments of germanium and gallium, two materials required for semiconductor manufacturing.

SOURCE – (CNN)