Official Microsoft announcement or credible news reports

Microsoft Asks 700 to 800 China-Based AI Staff to Relocate Amid U.S.-China Tensions

May 16, 2024, 04:50 AM

Microsoft is reportedly asking hundreds of employees in its China-based cloud computing and artificial intelligence operations to consider relocating to other countries. This move affects approximately 700 to 800 staff members, mostly engineers with Chinese nationality, who have been offered the opportunity to transfer to countries including the United States, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The relocation request comes amid rising tensions between the United States and China over critical technologies. However, Microsoft has denied rumors that the entire China AI team is being asked to relocate, stating that only a small number of employees have been given the option for international rotation. A Microsoft spokesperson described the move as part of the company's standard global business management practices. WSJ reports.