In Singapore, Intel's chief executive, Tan Lip-Bu, has announced that the company is working with the United States administration after President Donald Trump called for his immediate resignation, citing worries about Tan's associations with Chinese companies linked to his investments. In a message to Intel's staff, Tan emphasized that he is addressing the issues raised and aims to clarify any misinformation that has circulated regarding his previous positions with Walden International and Cadence Design Systems.
Tan has expressed his commitment to maintaining high ethical and legal standards throughout his 40 years in the tech sector, indicating that his reputation is built on trust and integrity. He founded Walden International, a venture capital firm, in 1987, which invested early in Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, China's leading chip manufacturer. Furthermore, he served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems, a prominent chip design software company, from 2009 until 2021.
The call for Tan's resignation was prompted by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who raised questions about national security stemming from Tan's alleged control over various Chinese firms and his stake in numerous advanced manufacturing and semiconductor companies in China. Cotton highlighted that Cadence Design Systems had previously pleaded guilty to unlawfully selling its products to a Chinese military university and alleged that technology had been transferred to a related Chinese semiconductor firm without the necessary licenses during Tan's leadership.
5 Comments
Fuerza
The risk of technology transfer and intellectual property theft by China is real, and this situation just adds another layer of complexity.
Manolo Noriega
@TruthInBusiness "It shouldn't matter what country he's involved in. Either the market likes what he is doing, or he's soon gone.
Fuerza
He was running Cadence when they were caught selling to a Chinese military university? That's unacceptable. He needs to go.
Ongania
The Senator's concerns are legitimate. Cadence's past legal issues are a red flag. This isn't just about business; it's about protecting our technology.
Fuerza
The tech industry is global; relationships across borders are the norm. It would be damaging to remove his role.