China’s state-owned AI firm Beijing Electronic Digital and Intelligence (BEDI) has named Xie Dong as its new chief technology officer.

With nearly 30 years of experience at IBM, including roles as CTO of IBM Greater China Group and director of IBM China Research Lab, Xie will focus on improving predictive accuracy and cost efficiency in AI models.

His appointment comes amid rising geopolitical tensions prompting multinational companies to scale back operations in China.