Taiwan seeks arrest of OnePlus CEO as tech talent tensions with China escalate
Taiwan has escalated its crackdown on the illegal recruitment of local tech talent by China-linked firms, issuing an arrest warrant for OnePlus CEO and co-founder Pete Lau. The move underscores growing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China, particularly in the highly sensitive technology sector.
According to Bloomberg, prosecutors from Taiwan’s Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office allege that OnePlus illegally recruited more than 70 Taiwanese engineers since 2014. The case centres on alleged violations of Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, which strictly regulates talent movement and business activities involving China. Two Taiwanese nationals accused of assisting the recruitment efforts have also been indicted.
Pete Lau is a prominent figure in China’s smartphone industry. In addition to leading OnePlus, he serves as Chief Product Officer at Oppo and plays a major role in shaping product strategy across the brand’s flagship devices. OnePlus has stated that its operations remain normal and unaffected by the legal action, while Lau has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The case forms part of a broader push by Taiwan to safeguard its technological edge, especially under President Lai Ching-te’s administration. Authorities have intensified investigations into Chinese companies suspected of poaching engineers or accessing sensitive intellectual property, particularly in semiconductors.
Taiwan’s importance in the global tech supply chain has made talent protection a national security priority. As enforcement tightens, Chinese smartphone and tech companies may face increased scrutiny and operational risks when engaging Taiwanese professionals, potentially reshaping regional innovation and supply chains in the years ahead.
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