Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan is once again under scrutiny as US Senator Tom Cotton has raised concerns over his alleged ties to Chinese firms and their potential implications for national security.
In a letter addressed to Intel board chairman Frank Yeary, Cotton requested detailed clarifications about Tan’s associations, particularly during his tenure as CEO of Cadence Design Systems, which has reportedly been involved in a criminal investigation. The letter, obtained inquired whether Intel’s board was aware of subpoenas issued to Cadence at the time and what steps were taken to address those issues prior to Tan’s appointment.
Cotton also demanded to know whether Tan was required to divest from Chinese chip firms linked to the Chinese Communist Party or the People’s Liberation Army. He further asked whether Tan had fully disclosed his investments and professional affiliations with Chinese entities, especially in light of Intel’s role in the US government’s Secure Enclave initiative, a program designed to secure domestic microelectronics supply for defense purposes.
“Intel is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations. Mr. Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations,” Cotton reportedly wrote.
Responding to the letter, an Intel spokesperson said, “Intel and Mr. Tan are deeply committed to the national security of the United States and the integrity of our role in the USdefense ecosystem.” The company confirmed it would respond to Senator Cotton’s queries directly.
Tan’s appointment in April had already drawn attention due to his status as one of Silicon Valley’s most active investors in Chinese firms.
According to reports, he holds stakes in over 600 Chinese companies and controls more than 40 Chinese entities and funds, including at least eight reportedly linked to China’s military.
Andrew King, a partner at Bastille Ventures, criticized the appointment, saying, “The simple fact is that Mr. Tan is unqualified to serve as the head of any company competing against China, let alone one with actual intelligence and national security ramifications like Intel and its tremendous legacy connections to all areas of America’s intelligence and the defense ecosystem.”
Despite the backlash, there is no legal prohibition against US citizens holding investments in Chinese companies unless those companies appear on the US Treasury’s Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, which explicitly bans such ties.
Intel, which receives federal funding under the Secure Enclave initiative, is under pressure to ensure full compliance with US national security policies amid growing geopolitical tensions with China.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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