Microsoft and China share a long controversial relationship. We thought things will become better as the company’s gaming console is set to arrive in the China later this year, but the Chinese government seems to have something else in mind. The US technology company said today that four of its offices in China were raided by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.
Microsoft offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu were raided as part of an official government investigation. However, the company and Chinese government are yet to reveal the nature of this investigation.
Despite that, Microsoft China spokesperson Joan Li has said that the company will “actively cooperate” with the authorities. “We aim to build products that deliver the features, security and reliability customers expect and we’re happy to answer the government’s questions.”, she said in a statement to Reuters.
If you remember, the Chinese government recently banned the use of the Windows 8 operating system from its government offices. According to the Chinese government, the operating system poses several threat to their security. The government believes that US technology companies are using these software to spy on them.
We are yet to learn the reason for this sudden inspections, and how will it impact Microsoft’s operations in the country.
Further reading: China
