Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) has sent a letter to Frank Yeary, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Intel Corporation, raising concerns about Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s reported investments and connections to Chinese semiconductor firms. According to Cotton, some of these companies are linked to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army.
“In March 2025, Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO. Mr. Tan reportedly controls dozens of Chinese companies and has a stake in hundreds of Chinese advanced-manufacturing and chip firms. At least eight of these companies reportedly have ties to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army,” wrote Senator Cotton.
In his letter dated August 5, 2025, Cotton outlined concerns regarding the security and integrity of Intel’s operations and their potential impact on U.S. national security.
“I write to express concern about the security and integrity of Intel’s operations and its potential impact on U.S. national security. In March 2025, Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO. Mr. Tan reportedly controls dozens of Chinese companies and has a stake in hundreds of Chinese advanced-manufacturing and chip firms. At least eight of these companies reportedly have ties to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army,” Cotton stated.
Cotton also noted that before joining Intel, Tan served as CEO at Cadence Design Systems—a company specializing in electronic design automation technology for advanced chip design—which recently pleaded guilty to illegally selling export-controlled American technologies to entities connected with China’s military during his tenure.
“Mr. Tan was most recently the CEO of Cadence Design Systems, a company that makes electronic design automation (EDA) technology, which is a key enabler of advanced chip design. Last week, Cadence pleaded guilty to illegally selling its products to a Chinese military university and transferring its technology to an associated Chinese semiconductor company without obtaining licenses. These illegal activities occurred under Mr. Tan’s tenure,” said Cotton.
The senator pointed out that Intel received nearly $8 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act—the largest grant awarded under this legislation—and is expected to be responsible with taxpayer funds while adhering to relevant security regulations.
“Intel was awarded nearly $8 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act, the largest grant to a single company. Intel is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations. Mr. Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations,” he wrote.
Cotton requested answers by August 15 on whether Intel’s board was aware of legal issues involving Cadence before hiring Tan; if any measures were taken regarding those issues; whether divestment from potentially conflicting positions was required; and if disclosures about ongoing ties or investments related to China had been made given federal contract requirements under programs such as Secure Enclave.
He concluded: “Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.”
