Microsoft ceases employing Chinese engineers to develop U.S. Defense computer systems following investigative report, due to concerns of manipulation by foreign secret services, prompting prompt alterations
Microsoft has ended a long-standing practice of allowing China-based engineers to provide technical assistance on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) cloud and computer systems. The move comes after concerns were raised about the adequacy of oversight and the potential risk of unauthorized access or malicious activity on highly sensitive military systems[1][4][5].
For nearly a decade, Microsoft relied on a system where U.S.-cleared personnel, known as "digital escorts," oversaw the work of foreign engineers. However, investigations revealed that these digital escorts often lacked the technical expertise to effectively monitor the more skilled China-based engineers[1][4][5].
The ProPublica investigative report, published in July 2025, highlighted the vulnerability created by outsourcing critical technical support to foreign engineers despite nominal supervision[1]. In response, Microsoft announced it would stop using China-based engineers on DoD cloud services immediately and commit to ending this practice for its U.S. government customers[1][2][3][4].
The DoD responded with sharp criticism and swift action. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the involvement of any foreign engineers in DoD systems unacceptable and ordered a review to ensure no foreign involvement remains. He also vowed that China would no longer have any role in U.S. military cloud services going forward[3][5].
The review, which was to be completed within about two weeks of the announcement, might also examine other cloud providers and their personnel policies to safeguard sensitive government data[3][5].
This change in policy is a significant step towards enhancing the security of U.S. defense systems. As Secretary Hegseth stated, "The U.S. Department of Defense needs to go through the systems that Microsoft's staff abroad touched to ensure that none of their systems have been compromised"[5].
Microsoft has assured that it is committed to providing the most secure services possible to the US government and is working with national security partners to evaluate and adjust its security protocols as needed[5]. It's worth noting that there is currently no proof that Microsoft China personnel have engaged in espionage[1][4].
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[1] ProPublica. (2025, July). Microsoft Allowed China-Based Engineers to Help Build U.S. Military Cloud. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/microsoft-allowed-china-based-engineers-to-help-build-us-military-cloud [2] The New York Times. (2025, July). Microsoft Stops Using China-Based Engineers on U.S. Military Cloud Projects. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/technology/microsoft-china-us-military-cloud.html [3] The Washington Post. (2025, July). Pentagon Orders Review of Microsoft's Use of Foreign Engineers on U.S. Military Cloud Systems. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/07/01/pentagon-orders-review-microsofts-use-foreign-engineers-us-military-cloud-systems/ [4] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, July). Microsoft Halts Use of China-Based Engineers on U.S. Military Cloud Projects. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-halts-use-of-china-based-engineers-on-u-s-military-cloud-projects-11628097001 [5] CNN. (2025, July). Pentagon Orders Review of Microsoft's Use of Foreign Engineers on U.S. Military Cloud Systems. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/01/politics/pentagon-orders-review-microsofts-use-of-foreign-engineers-on-us-military-cloud-systems/index.html
- The decision by Microsoft to stop using China-based engineers on DoD cloud services is a reflection of growing concerns about cybersecurity and technology in the context of politics and general news.
- The enhanced security measures enacted by the U.S. Department of Defense, such as reviewing Microsoft's use of foreign engineers, underscores the importance of technology in military cybersecurity beyond the realm of specific incidents or technological advancements.
