The tech company restricts Chinese personnel access to military systems after years of cyberattacks and tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The technological distrust between the United States and China escalates again following Microsoft’s decision to exclude its Chinese-based engineers from providing technical support for the U.S. military. The move, seen as a precaution against potential cyberespionage risks, responds to increasing geopolitical tensions and previous cyberattacks attributed to Chinese actors.
These engineers were responsible for technical assistance with cloud systems used by the Department of Defense, under supervision from U.S.-based subcontractors. However, concerns arose within the company due to insufficient technical oversight, raising fears that sensitive information could be compromised without detection.
A Strategic Decision in Light of Real Risks
The context is significant. Microsoft has been targeted by cyberattacks linked to the Chinese group HAFNIUM, which in 2022 compromised systems with the Tarrask malware to access data related to artificial intelligence and advanced technology. Alongside these incidents, there is a long history of engineers or employees with ties to China being investigated for alleged intellectual property theft.
“It’s more about prudence than direct accusations,” say sources close to the defense sector. Nonetheless, the reality is that the U.S. has increased controls over foreign technical talent, especially in strategic sectors such as defense, microchips, and AI.
Pentagon Worries: An Investigation Begins
Following Microsoft’s decision, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a two-week internal investigation to determine whether any engineer based in China, working on military projects, has accessed classified information or engaged in misconduct.
This situation recalls the case of Huawei, which was blacklisted by the U.S. and added to the Department of Commerce’s blacklist over alleged espionage practices. The company faced severe setbacks in the West after sanctions, becoming a symbol of the technological rivalry between the two powers.
The Shadow of Espionage and Its Impact on Global Collaboration
The U.S. has been reducing dependence on China for sensitive issues for some time. The export ban on advanced AI chips and pressure on companies like NVIDIA and ASML are parts of this strategy. In this new environment, foreign engineers’ access to defense projects poses reputational, legal, and security risks that many tech companies are no longer willing to accept.
For Microsoft, this change affects its global operations but also sends a clear message to government partners: security takes precedence.
No conclusive evidence of leaks by engineers in China has been publicly disclosed so far. However, the mere perception of risk is enough to alter international collaboration structures in the ongoing race for leadership in artificial intelligence and cyber defense.
In an era where technology equates to strategic power, the origin of talent matters more than ever.
via: Reuters