People worry about Intel's new top guy, Lip-Bu Tan, because he has money ties with hundreds of Chinese companies. Reports say he controls 40 Chinese businesses directly and owns small parts of over 600 more firms, including eight linked to China's military. This makes some American officials question if he should run Intel at all.
The US Defense Department is asking whether Tan can legally lead America's biggest chipmaker, Intel. Intel handles defense contracts important for national security. Though Tan claims he sold his Chinese investments, official Chinese records still show these connections exist. His investments mostly come through his company, Walden International.
Nothing illegal has happened because US people can invest in China unless the Treasury bans specific companies. The Trump team must decide if Intel's defense work faces any risk. Tan brings valuable experience from Chinese markets where he helped companies succeed—he backed SMIC from its early days. His knowledge might help Intel sell its Gaudi AI chips in China, where it currently struggles.
The US Defense Department is asking whether Tan can legally lead America's biggest chipmaker, Intel. Intel handles defense contracts important for national security. Though Tan claims he sold his Chinese investments, official Chinese records still show these connections exist. His investments mostly come through his company, Walden International.
Nothing illegal has happened because US people can invest in China unless the Treasury bans specific companies. The Trump team must decide if Intel's defense work faces any risk. Tan brings valuable experience from Chinese markets where he helped companies succeed—he backed SMIC from its early days. His knowledge might help Intel sell its Gaudi AI chips in China, where it currently struggles.
