The Journal. How Intel’s CEO Became a Political Liability
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Aug 13, 2025 
Stu Woo, a journalist at WSJ, dives into the controversial leadership of Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, known as 'Mr. Chip' for his pivotal role in China’s chip industry. Tan has come under scrutiny, even prompting calls for his resignation from President Trump due to his ties with China amidst escalating U.S.-China tech tensions. Woo unpacks the balance between tech leadership and political pressures, as well as the implications for Intel’s future in a fiercely competitive market. The conversation reveals the intersections of geopolitics and technology in today's corporate landscape.
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Career Built On East‑West Bridge
- Lip-Bu Tan framed his role as bridging U.S. investors and Asian companies early in his career.
- He built Walden International to connect capital and know-how between the U.S. and Asia.
Early China VC Pioneer
- Tan invested early in Chinese tech through Walden and introduced venture capital practices to China in the 1990s.
- His mentoring and funding helped spawn major Chinese chip firms, earning him the nickname "Mr. Chip."
Vertical Integration Became A Liability
- Intel's vertical integration left it inefficient as the industry specialized into design and foundry roles.
- That strategic lag explains why Intel lost ground to TSMC and Samsung in advanced chips.