Intel leader criticizes 'misinformation' following Donald Trump's call for his resignation
Intel CEO Faces Allegations of Conflicts of Interest
In a recent turn of events, Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is facing allegations of conflicts of interest, stemming from his past roles and relationships, specifically his investments in Chinese tech companies. The controversy revolves around Tan's significant investment ties to Chinese tech companies, including some with reported connections to China’s military.
Tan, who has been Intel's CEO since March 2025, has invested hundreds of millions in numerous Chinese advanced manufacturing and semiconductor firms between 2012 and 2024, primarily through his San Francisco-based venture capital firm Walden International. Walden International managed roughly $5 billion and had control over about 40 Chinese companies as of early 2025, some of which allegedly have links to the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
These ties have prompted U.S. political criticism focused on potential conflicts of interest and national security risks, especially given Intel’s strategic role in U.S. chip manufacturing. The allegations have been raised by U.S. senators such as Tom Cotton, and they highlight concerns about corporate ties to China in Tan's professional history.
In addition, Tan was formerly CEO and chairman of Cadence Design Systems, a U.S.-based semiconductor software company that recently pleaded guilty to federal charges related to illegal sales of chip design technology to a Chinese military university.
Tan has emphasized his long-standing connection to the United States, stating that he has lived there for more than 40 years and considers it his home. He has also expressed his gratitude for the opportunities the US has provided him. In response to the allegations, Tan has written a letter to Intel staff to address the matter.
In his letter, Tan mentioned that Intel might be forced to abandon development of its next-generation manufacturing technology if it could not secure a large customer. He also reiterated his love for Intel and his commitment to advancing US national and economic security.
Intel is engaging with the Trump administration to address the allegations and ensure they have the facts. Trump, however, did not provide details about Tan’s alleged conflicts of interest in his demand for Tan’s resignation, which was made on Truth Social.
Tan has stated that he has always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards and that he is fully supported by Intel's board in the company's transformation efforts. Despite the ongoing controversy, Tan remains committed to leading Intel forward.
This controversy reflects broader geopolitical tensions over semiconductor leadership and technology transfer between the U.S. and China, with Tan's investments at the center given his current role as head of a key American chip company.
References:
- Inside Lip-Bu Tan's vast Chinese empire
- Intel's Lip-Bu Tan invested in Chinese chipmaker SMIC, raising national security concerns
- Senator Tom Cotton raises concerns about Intel's CEO ties to China
- Intel CEO under fire for ties to Chinese military-linked companies
- The allegations facing Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, concerning his investments in Chinese tech companies, have sparked discussions around potential conflicts of interest and national security risks in policy-and-legislation circles.
- The investments made by Lip-Bu Tan, Intel's CEO, in Chinese advanced manufacturing and semiconductor firms, totaling hundreds of millions, have raised concerns about corporate ties to China within the business community.
- The controversy surrounding Lip-Bu Tan has led U.S. leaders, such as Senator Tom Cotton, to express concerns about the general-news topic of foreign influence in the leadership of American companies, particularly those with strategic roles like Intel.
- Despite the accusations, Lip-Bu Tan remains steadfast in his commitment to spearheading Intel's development, navigating through the complexities of technology investments and international politics.
