Microsoft ends China engineers' role in US Defense cloud work

Following a Pro Publica report revealing that Microsoft employed engineers in China to maintain cloud computing systems for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the company announced changes to ensure this practice ceases.

Key Details:

• Report Findings: Pro Publica disclosed that Microsoft relied on "digital escorts"—U.S. citizens with security clearances—to supervise China-based engineers. However, these escorts sometimes lacked the technical expertise to effectively monitor the engineers.

• Government Reaction: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed strong opposition on X, stating, "Foreign engineers — from any country, including of course China — should NEVER be allowed to maintain or access DoD systems."

• Microsoft's Response: Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, confirmed on X that the company has "made changes to our support for US Government customers to assure that no China-based engineering teams are providing technical assistance for DoD Government cloud and related services."

Implications:

• The move highlights growing scrutiny over foreign access to sensitive U.S. defense infrastructure.
• Microsoft’s swift action underscores the balancing act between global talent utilization and national security concerns.

Tags: Microsoft, Defense, Cybersecurity