According to the Financial Times, Microsoft is transferring some top artificial intelligence (AI) researchers from China to a new lab in Vancouver, Canada, involving about 20 to 40 employees, due to the escalation of political tensions between China and the United States. The report pointed out that Chinese technology groups frequently poached Microsoft talent, exacerbating Microsoft's concerns in China.
Microsoft Research Asia, based in Beijing, has begun seeking visas to transfer AI experts to Canadian labs. The move is part of Microsoft's new lab in Canada made up by global experts, including members from China.
The report pointed out that Chinese technology companies actively develop artificial intelligence and frequently try to "poach" Microsoft's top talent. Researchers at Microsoft Research Asia said they recently received job offers from Chinese internet companies but have chosen to apply for visas to transfer to Canada. A Microsoft researcher said that in third countries outside the United States and China, they could resume active technology discussions.
Microsoft Research Asia has always been an important training center for Chinese tech talents, and many alumni have since joined Chinese technology companies, driving the development of the Chinese intelligence ecosystem.
Microsoft has a strong presence in the Chinese market, with about 9,000 employees, more than 80% of whom work as software engineers or research and development. However, the deteriorating relationship between China and the United States has constrained it in many ways.
In recent years, China has been committed to building an innovative country and leading the development of global science and technology. In order to attract overseas talents to return home, China provides abundant resources and opportunities to promote scientific and technological innovation and technology transfer. Microsoft's move to move AI experts from China to Canada may be seen as a response to Chinese policy, which will further exacerbate competition and tensions between China and the United States in the tech space.