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U.S. Senator Tom Cotton Questions Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s Ties to China in Letter to Board Chair

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Republican Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter on Wednesday to Intel’s board chair, Frank Yeary, raising concerns about new CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s connections to Chinese firms and a criminal case linked to Tan’s former company, Cadence Design. Cotton questioned Intel’s board about its awareness of subpoenas issued to Cadence during Tan’s leadership and asked what steps were taken to address potential security risks.

The letter probes whether Tan was required to divest from Chinese chip companies with ties to the Chinese military or Communist Party, given Intel’s involvement in the U.S. government’s Secure Enclave program — an initiative under the Biden administration to secure microelectronics supply for national defense. Cotton emphasized Intel’s responsibility to safeguard American taxpayer funding and questioned if Tan’s affiliations might compromise Intel’s national security obligations.

Intel responded by affirming its and Tan’s commitment to U.S. national security and pledged to address the senator’s concerns directly.

Earlier reporting revealed that between 2012 and 2024, Tan or venture funds he managed invested at least $200 million in hundreds of Chinese advanced manufacturing and chip firms, some linked to China’s military. While a source said Tan had divested some holdings, public databases still listed many investments as current.

In related news, Cadence Design agreed last week to plead guilty and pay over $140 million to settle charges for selling chip design software to a Chinese military university allegedly involved in nuclear blast simulation. These sales occurred under Tan’s tenure as CEO (2008–2021) and executive chairman until 2023.

Cotton’s letter cited the Reuters investigation into Tan’s Chinese ties and underscored the heightened scrutiny Intel faces due to its federal funding under the Secure Enclave program.

Intel Faces Yield Problems in Key 18A Manufacturing Process for Next PC Chip

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Intel’s ambitious push to regain leadership in high-end chip manufacturing has hit a significant hurdle. According to sources familiar with the matter, its next-generation “18A” production process — critical for the upcoming “Panther Lake” laptop chips — is struggling with low yields, raising concerns about profitability and competitiveness against industry leader TSMC.

The 18A process is central to Intel’s strategy of expanding its in-house chipmaking and building a competitive foundry business. Billions have been invested in factories and technology, aiming to close the gap with TSMC. Panther Lake, expected in high volumes in 2025, features next-gen transistors and a more efficient power delivery system.

However, early tests have shown disappointing results. Only a small fraction of chips have met required standards, with yields reportedly around 5% late last year and about 10% by mid-2024. Intel disputes these figures but has not disclosed official numbers. Industry norms suggest profitability usually requires yields between 70% and 80%. Without major improvements by the planned Q4 launch, Intel may face selling chips at reduced margins or even at a loss.

Intel CFO David Zinsner acknowledged yields “start off low and improve over time” and stressed that the product remains “fully on track.” Still, sources describe the 18A rollout as risky, likening it to a “Hail Mary” due to the simultaneous introduction of multiple untested technologies.

Compounding the challenge, defect rates per chip area are reportedly about three times higher than acceptable for mass production. While Intel is working to improve yields monthly, margins are not yet favorable even at current levels. The company has warned that without securing external business for 14A — the successor to 18A — it could exit advanced manufacturing altogether.

For now, Intel still relies partly on TSMC for some in-house designs. Its follow-up to Panther Lake, “Nova Lake,” is also expected to be produced partly by TSMC.

Nvidia’s Planned Major Expansion in Israel Sparks Wide Interest from Potential Sites

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Nvidia, the world’s leading AI chipmaker and the first company to reach a $4 trillion valuation, is seeking to dramatically expand its operations in Israel to meet surging demand for AI data centers. The Santa Clara-based firm issued a request for information (RFI) this week to acquire land for a new campus near its existing facility in northern Israel, with the project expected to cost billions and generate thousands of jobs, according to multiple sources.

Nvidia entered the Israeli market in 2020 by acquiring Mellanox Technologies for nearly $7 billion. Its existing site is located in Yokne’am, a technology hub near Haifa. Nvidia declined to comment beyond confirming the RFI request.

One source, speaking anonymously, revealed that the company has received “dozens and dozens and dozens” of site offers from municipalities and other entities, many not near Haifa, reflecting broad local enthusiasm to host the expansion. The deadline for offers is July 23, with Nvidia planning a campus covering up to 180,000 square meters.

The Haifa municipality stated it is preparing a competitive offer, asserting it has the “best potential” for Nvidia’s new campus.

The planned expansion reflects a broader race among tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, and Tesla to build AI data centers and capture leadership in emerging AI technology. This surge is driving increased demand for Nvidia’s advanced processors.

Industry insiders emphasize Israel’s critical role in the AI era, making rapid expansion necessary for Nvidia. Since acquiring Mellanox, Nvidia’s Israeli operations have nearly tripled in size and reportedly contributed $13 billion in revenue last year, though the company has not publicly confirmed this figure.

In addition to acquisitions, Nvidia has built Israel’s most powerful AI supercomputer, which served as a blueprint for Elon Musk’s Colossus supercomputer. The company employs approximately 5,000 people in Israel.

Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, described the planned campus as “massive,” potentially housing thousands of employees. He said Nvidia’s expansion signals a long-term commitment and strong confidence in Israel.

Nvidia’s expansion plans contrast with rival Intel, which has been present in Israel since 1974 and employs 9,350 workers but is currently implementing global workforce reductions. Reports suggest a few hundred Intel workers in Israel may be affected, though Intel declined to provide specific numbers.