UK Tech Giant CEO Resigns Amid Row Over China Security Fears

The chief executive of one of Britain’s largest semiconductor companies is stepping down amid allegations that the business transferred key technology to China.

Beresford-Wylie’s resignation comes after reports that Chinese engineers developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for military systems gained access to Imagination’s designs. I Photo: Imagination Technologies

Simon Beresford-Wylie has informed Imagination Technologies of his decision to resign next year, prompting the Chinese-owned company to begin its search for a new leader, James Titcomb reported for The Telegraph.

Beresford-Wylie’s resignation comes after reports that Chinese engineers developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for military systems gained access to Imagination’s designs.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the company had provided extensive access to its designs to China’s Biren Technology and Moore Threads, both of which are on a U.S. blacklist.

A report from the UK-China Transparency Centre claimed the Hertfordshire-based company had transferred "core assets" to these firms, which are involved in cutting-edge AI technology development.

However, Imagination Technologies stated that it has always complied with export laws and has never sold its technology for military use. The company also denied transferring core assets to China.

Beresford-Wylie’s departure is understood to be unrelated to the controversy, according to sources.