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Synopsis : Microsoft urges China staff relocation amidst US-China tensions. Biden's tariffs prompt China's criticism.
Amid escalating US-China trade tensions, Microsoft is said to be urging approximately 700 to 800 of its staff based in China, particularly those in cloud-computing and AI operations, to contemplate relocating to other countries. These employees, mainly Chinese nationals, have been provided with the opportunity to transfer to countries such as the U.S., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
According to a report by WSJ, Microsoft has purportedly asked around 700 to 800 of its employees based in China, who are primarily engineers of Chinese nationality, to contemplate relocating to other countries.
This request comes amid heightened tensions between the US and China, as the Biden administration imposes restrictions on various sectors of Chinese imports.
The employees have been given the opportunity to relocate to various countries, including the US, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite this possibility, a Microsoft spokesperson, mentioned in the report, has affirmed the company's dedication to the region and its plan to maintain operations in China.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced significant tariff hikes on a range of Chinese imports, encompassing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, EVs themselves, semiconductors, solar cells, as well as various medical equipment like face masks, medical gloves, syringes, and needles.
Microsoft, a major American tech company, has been present in China for over two decades since entering the market in 1992. Its largest R&D center outside the US is situated in China.
In response to the US decision to increase tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese goods, spanning from syringes to batteries, China has reacted cautiously. It criticized the Biden administration's actions and vowed to take "resolute measures" to safeguard its interests.
Related Questions
1. Why is Microsoft urging its staff in China to consider relocating to other countries?
Microsoft is urging its staff in China to consider relocating to other countries amid escalating US-China trade tensions.
2. What countries are Microsoft employees based in China being offered the opportunity to transfer to?
Microsoft employees based in China are being offered the opportunity to transfer to countries such as the U.S., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
3. What is the response of the Biden administration to escalating US-China trade tensions?
The Biden administration announced significant tariff hikes on a range of Chinese imports in response to escalating US-China trade tensions.
4. What is the duration of Microsoft's presence in China?
Microsoft has been present in China for over two decades since entering the market in 1992.
5. What sectors of Chinese imports did the Biden administration impose restrictions on?
The Biden administration imposed restrictions on various sectors of Chinese imports, including electric vehicle (EV) batteries, semiconductors, solar cells, and medical equipment.
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