Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on Tuesday pressed the chair of Intel’s board about its CEO’s ties to China, voicing concerns about the integrity of the semiconductor firm and U.S. national security.
In a letter to Intel board chair Frank Yeary, Cotton pointed to recent reporting on Lip-Bu Tan’s investments in hundreds of Chinese tech firms, at least eight of which have ties to the Chinese military, according to Reuters.
Tan was tapped to lead Intel in March, after former CEO Pat Gelsinger stepped down last December following a “challenging year” for the company.
Before joining Intel, Tan was CEO of Cadence Design Systems — another point of concern raised by Cotton.
The software company produces electronic design automation (EDA) technology, which is used to design chips. It agreed to plead guilty and pay $140 million last month for violating export controls by selling the technology to a Chinese military university.
“Intel is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations,” Cotton wrote, noting Intel’s nearly $8 billion grant under the CHIPS and Science Act.
“Mr. Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations,” he added.
Cotton asked Yeary what measures Intel has taken to address concerns about Cadence’s activities, which occurred during Tan’s tenure, and whether it has required him to divest from China-linked semiconductor firms or other “concerning entities.”
The Arkansas Republican also questioned whether Tan has disclosed his China investments and ties to the U.S. government given Intel’s involvement in a Pentagon program to build chips for defense and intelligence needs.
The Hill has reached out to Intel for comment.
