Intel Corp’s INTC newly appointed CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has deep monetary ties to China’s tech sector, together with investments in firms reportedly linked to the Chinese language navy.
What Occurred: Tan has management over greater than 40 Chinese language firms and funding funds and holds minority stakes in over 600 others by corporations he owns or manages — together with at the least eight with reported ties to China’s Individuals’s Liberation Military (PLA), reported Reuters.
The report, primarily based on U.S. and Chinese language company filings, discovered that Tan retains management or minority stakes in lots of of Chinese language tech corporations by way of Walden Worldwide and Hong Kong-based holding firms Sakarya Restricted and Seine Restricted. In lots of circumstances, he co-invested alongside Chinese language authorities entities or state-owned enterprises.
See Additionally: Tesla And Different US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Technique To Compete With China’s $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race With out It
Among the many firms recognized are suppliers and contractors for the PLA, together with partnerships with China Electronics Company, a key PLA provider sanctioned by the primary Donald Trump administration in 2020.
Tan was additionally an early investor in Semiconductor Manufacturing Worldwide Corp (SMIC), China’s largest chip foundry, which is below U.S. sanctions because of navy hyperlinks.
Why It Issues: Whereas it’s not unlawful for U.S. residents to spend money on Chinese language firms until they’re particularly blacklisted, Tan’s ties have raised questions given Intel’s central function in producing superior chips for the U.S. Division of Protection.
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The corporate holds a $3 billion protection contract and is concerned in a number of nationwide security-focused semiconductor initiatives.
In response to the publication, Intel stated that Tan had accomplished a required director and officer questionnaire disclosing any potential conflicts. “We deal with any potential conflicts appropriately and supply disclosures as required by SEC guidelines,” a spokesperson stated.
Intel didn’t instantly reply to Benzinga’s request for feedback.
Tan’s appointment comes at a important time for Intel because it seeks to reclaim management in superior chip manufacturing.
Critics argue that Tan’s in depth monetary involvement in China’s tech and military-linked sectors might current a battle of curiosity or at the least warrant heightened scrutiny, the report famous.
“The straightforward truth is that Mr. Tan is unqualified to function the pinnacle of any firm competing in opposition to China, not to mention one with precise intelligence and nationwide safety ramifications like Intel,” stated Andrew King of Bastille Ventures.
Others, nonetheless, defend Tan’s deep expertise in international tech investing. “He was on the high of … most traders’ lists,” stated Bernstein analyst Stacey Rasgon. “He is a legend.”
Whereas Tan has reportedly divested some Chinese language holdings, the publication discovered no full accounting of these exits. Chinese language company databases proceed to checklist lots of his investments as energetic.
Value Motion: Intel’s inventory has dropped 1.68% year-to-date and is down 47.17% over the previous 12 months, in accordance with Benzinga Professional knowledge.
Regardless of the decline, Intel holds a good progress rating of three.48% primarily based on Benzinga Edge Inventory Rankings. You’ll be able to see the way it compares to different firms by clicking right here.
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