Subj : Microsoft looking to relocate hundreds of China-based workers as To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Fri May 17 2024 15:45:05 Microsoft looking to relocate hundreds of China-based workers as diplomatic tensions rise Date: Fri, 17 May 2024 14:31:43 +0000 Description: Some Microsoft AI and cloud workers are being asked to leave China and take up a role in another country. FULL STORY ====================================================================== Microsoft is reportedly advising some of its employees in China to consider transferring to other countries amid geopolitical tensions brought on by the US-China battle over advanced technologies. A report by The Wall Street Journal claims the company is asking around 700-800 of its China-based workers involved in machine learning and cloud computing to consider moving to countries like the US, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Citing an unnamed source familiar with the case, the WSJ reported that affected workers have been given until early June to commit to a move, however it also appears that workers can also choose to stay in China. Microsoft pulling workers out of China A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to Reuters : Providing internal opportunities is a regular part of managing our global business. As part of this process, we shared an optional internal transfer opportunity with a subset of employees. The move comes amid Americas efforts to limit Chinas access to advanced AI chips, which Washington worries could help boost Beijings military capabilities. The Biden Administration has imposed various restrictions on the country, including limiting and increasing tariffs on certain imports and exports. Microsoft has a significant presence in China, including its Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group which employs over 6,000 scientists and engineers in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Suzhou, as well as Taiwans Taipei and Japans Tokyo. Keeping peace between China and the US isnt the only challenge that Microsoft faces the Redmond giant continues to make operational efficiency changes despite being the worlds most valuable company, with a market cap of $3.13 trillion. At the beginning of the year, it laid off around 1,900 workers from Xbox, Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax, accounting for around 8% of its gaming headcount. TechRadar Pro has asked Microsoft to confirm details of its plans to move workers out of China, but we did not receive an immediate response. More from TechRadar Pro These are the best cloud hosting providers around today Microsoft Teams is facing more antitrust lawsuits in Europe Check out our roundup of the best AI tools and best AI writers ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsoft-looking-to-relocate-hundreds-of-china- based-workers-as-diplomatic-tensions-rise --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .