Microsoft to cease using Chinese engineers for DoD work following controversy.

Microsoft has announced it will no longer use engineers in China to help maintain cloud computing systems for the US Department of Defense. The move comes after a Pro Publica report revealed that Microsoft was using engineers in China to help maintain cloud computing systems for the US Department of Defense. Microsoft has made changes to ensure this will no longer happen.

Microsoft (MSFT.O) has announced it will cease using engineers from China to provide technical assistance for the US Department of Defense (DoD) cloud computing systems. This decision follows an investigative report by ProPublica, which highlighted concerns about the security risks associated with the involvement of Chinese engineers in maintaining sensitive military data.

The ProPublica report revealed that Microsoft had been employing Chinese engineers to work on DoD cloud computing systems, overseen by US "digital escorts" who often lacked the technical expertise to assess potential cybersecurity threats. This arrangement sparked concerns from US Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Armed Services Committee. Cotton sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting information on contractors using Chinese personnel and the training of US "digital escorts."

In response to these concerns, Microsoft has made significant changes to its support for US Government customers. The company has assured that no China-based engineering teams will provide technical assistance for DoD cloud services. Microsoft's Chief Communications Officer, Frank Shaw, stated that the company is committed to providing secure services and working with national security partners to strengthen security protocols.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has initiated a two-week review of its digital infrastructure following Microsoft's announcement. The review aims to ensure that China-based engineers are not involved in any other cloud services contracts across the Defense Department. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a video statement, announced the review and reiterated the department's commitment to monitoring and countering all threats to its military infrastructure and online networks.

This move by Microsoft comes amid growing concerns about China's cyber capabilities and their potential threat to US critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains. The US military is taking proactive steps to guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/microsoft-stop-using-engineers-china-tech-support-us-military-hegseth-orders-2025-07-18/
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/must-guard-against-all-microsofts-alleged-use-of-chinese-engineers-to-maintain-military-cloud-computing-systems-questioned-by-us-senator/articleshow/122768501.cms
[3] https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5409169-gop-senator-asks-pentagon-for-information-on-microsofts-chinese-engineers/
[4] https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/us-department-of-defence-to-initiate-two-week-review-after-microsoft-says-no-to-china-based-teams-for-dod-tech-support/