Adam Savit, Director of the China Policy Initiative at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), has called for an investigation into Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and companies linked to the Chinese military. The request follows a report from The Wire China stating that Tan, as Chairman of Walden International, oversaw 77 portfolio companies involved in sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, and software.
“The Department of Defense relies on Intel for advanced chips. Tan’s alleged ties compromise our most sensitive supply chains and undermine our national security,” said Savit.
Tan previously served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems. According to a letter sent by Senator Tom Cotton to Intel’s board on August 6, 2025, Cadence admitted guilt in selling products to a Chinese military university and unlawfully transferring technology to a related Chinese semiconductor company.
Intel has received significant funding through the CHIPS and Science Act enacted during the Biden administration. The company was awarded up to $7.86 billion in federal support, with $2.2 billion already distributed. Despite this investment, construction of Intel’s Ohio semiconductor factories has been delayed several times, with completion now estimated no earlier than 2031. There are reports that the project may be canceled if new customers are not secured.
“This means no chips produced, no jobs fully realized, and no return on investment for American taxpayers,” said Emily Moreno, Director of AFPI’s Ohio Chapter.
