Microsoft’s joint venture, Wicresoft, will cease operations in China starting Apr. 8, as reported by the Chinese media outlet Caijing.

This decision is expected to lead to the layoff of approximately 2,000 employees, primarily from Microsoft’s outsourcing team in the country.

The move ends Microsoft’s outsourcing of after-sales support in China and raises concerns about future service for local users.

Wicresoft, founded in 2002, was Microsoft’s first joint venture in China and employs over 10,000 people globally.

Rumors of Microsoft’s full exit were denied by the company, which confirmed only Wicresoft’s closure via Chinese outlet Caijing.