2 weeks ago
China Accelerates Windows Replacement to Reduce US Technology Dependence
China is asking some government organizations to stop using a special version of Windows on certain computers.
The special software was changed to meet Chinese security requirements.
It was made by a company jointly created by Microsoft and a Chinese state-owned technology group.
The software was supposed to be retired in February 2027, but the change may happen sooner.
Chinese agencies are being encouraged to use computer systems made by Chinese companies instead.
These systems are based on Linux, an alternative to Windows.
China says the broader shift is connected to data security and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
Microsoft says it does not know of a security incident involving the customized software.
Windows remains widely used by Chinese consumers, even as government agencies move toward domestic alternatives.
China’s Ministry of State Security reportedly told some state-linked organizations to remove customized Windows 10 from certain computers.
The software was developed by C&M Information Technologies, a joint venture between Microsoft and China Electronics Technology Group.
The customized system was scheduled for retirement in February 2027, but authorities are reportedly accelerating the transition by several months.
Chinese agencies are being encouraged to use domestic Linux-based systems, including Kylin OS and Unity OS, for sensitive operations.
Microsoft said it was not aware of a security incident involving the product and said it continues to receive regular security updates.
- Who
- China’s Ministry of State Security, state-linked organizations, Microsoft, C&M Information Technologies, and Chinese software companies are involved.
- What
- Some state-linked organizations are reportedly being instructed to replace a customized version of Windows 10 with domestically developed Linux-based systems.
- Where
- Chinese government agencies and other state-linked or state-controlled organizations.
- When
- The transition was reportedly accelerated several months before the system’s planned February 2027 retirement; the decision came weeks before a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
- Why
- The move is reportedly intended to address data-security concerns and reduce China’s dependence on imported, particularly US, technology.
China’s Technology-Security Rationale
Microsoft’s Product Assessment
Reason for the replacement
China’s Technology-Security Rationale
Chinese authorities are reportedly linking the shift to data security, national security, and reducing dependence on foreign technology in sensitive organizations.
Microsoft’s Product Assessment
Microsoft said it was not aware of any security incident affecting the customized Windows product, which it said continues to receive regular security updates.
Preferred technology
China’s Technology-Security Rationale
Chinese agencies are being encouraged to use domestic Linux-based systems from companies such as Kylin Software and Tongxin Software Technology.
Microsoft’s Product Assessment
Microsoft’s customized Windows edition was specifically developed with a Chinese state-owned partner to meet China’s security requirements, including support for Chinese encryption algorithms.
Timing and scope
China’s Technology-Security Rationale
Authorities reportedly brought forward the system’s retirement by several months as part of a wider campaign to replace foreign technology in government and sensitive sectors.
Microsoft’s Product Assessment
The reported acceleration surprised some state agency employees, while Microsoft said it had nothing further to share beyond its statement about the product’s security status.
Key facts
- Affected software
- A customized version of Windows 10 used by Chinese government organizations.
- Original retirement date
- February 2027.
- Software developer
- C&M Information Technologies Co., established in 2016 as a joint venture between Microsoft and China Electronics Technology Group.
- Notable modification
- The customized system supported Chinese encryption algorithms instead of Microsoft’s standard cryptography.
- Domestic alternatives
- Kylin OS, based on Linux, and Unity OS, based on Debian.
- Microsoft’s position
- Microsoft said it was not aware of a security incident affecting the customized product and said it continues to receive regular security updates.
- Broader policy
- China began a three-year program to replace foreign-made PCs in government offices in 2019 and directed central agencies and state firms to remove foreign-branded computers in 2022.
Quotes
Microsoft spokesperson
Spokesperson for Microsoft Corporation
“"Microsoft is not aware of a security incident affecting this product, which continues to receive regular security updates."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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