As tensions between the US and China rise, Microsoft is reportedly asking up to 800 employees based in China if they would consider leaving the country.
People familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that the company is offering workers involved in machine learning and cloud work jobs in countries such as the United States, Ireland and Australia.
A Microsoft representative did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment outside of normal business hours.
A spokesperson told the Journal that internal opportunities are a normal part of doing business and that Microsoft remains focused on its operations in China.
The report was released amid heightened tensions between the US and China over issues such as AI chips. The Biden administration is considering new rules that would require U.S. tech companies to obtain licenses before handing over access to AI chips to Chinese customers, the magazine said.
There are concerns that stricter rules could intensify the fight with the Chinese government over vital chips.
Chinese authorities are also requiring domestic tech giants to buy domestically produced AI chips instead of those made by Nvidia. information Reported this week.
Like big tech companies alibaba, BaiduTikTok's parent company part time danceand tencent We were told to cut spending on foreign chips such as: Nvidia'sThe same media reported this, citing an anonymous source.
The move is a blow to Nvidia, which considers China an important market and a major source of revenue.
Other technology companies are also caught up in geopolitical tensions.
Apple is struggling in its key Chinese market, losing iPhone sales to local suppliers. It looks like the iPhone maker is also working on the next thing. Diversify your supply chain Stay away from China.
The Chinese government is cracking down on the use of iPhones by authorities. Bloomberg previously reported that Chinese officials in at least eight provinces have been told to stop using Apple devices.
