Microsoft has proposed a relocation plan for hundreds of its employees in China, primarily those involved in cloud-computing and artificial-intelligence operations. This decision is in response to the increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing over advanced technology.

The company has extended relocation offers to approximately 700 to 800 staff members, predominantly engineers of Chinese nationality. These employees, who are engaged in machine learning and other tasks related to cloud computing, have been given the opportunity to transfer to various countries, including the U.S., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

This initiative by Microsoft, a leading company in the field of cloud computing and AI, coincides with the Biden administration’s efforts to tighten restrictions on China’s ability to develop state-of-the-art AI technology.