Overview
- Lip-Bu Tan, Intel's newly appointed CEO, has financial stakes in over 600 Chinese companies, including at least eight with reported ties to the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
- Tan's investments were made through his venture capital firm, Walden International, and two Hong Kong-based holding companies, Sakarya Limited and Seine Limited.
- Intel confirmed that Tan completed required conflict-of-interest disclosures but has not clarified the full extent of his divestitures from Chinese holdings, which remain ambiguous in corporate filings.
- Critics argue that Tan's financial ties to China raise national security concerns, given Intel's $3 billion defense contract and its critical role in the U.S. defense supply chain.
- Supporters highlight Tan's extensive experience in global tech investing, viewing his background as a potential asset for Intel's strategic turnaround and competition in advanced chip manufacturing.