US launches security review into Chinese role in Pentagon cloud systems

The United States is reviewing possible security risks after reports revealed Microsoft employed China-based contractors to help manage cloud services for the Pentagon.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an audit is underway to determine whether Chinese nationals had access to sensitive military systems, stressing that the practice “is over.”

The decision follows a ProPublica investigation that exposed Microsoft’s reliance on foreign contractors, including those in China, working with US “digital escorts” to maintain Defense Department cloud systems.

While Microsoft has pledged to end the use of China-based technicians on military contracts, the revelation has triggered intense scrutiny over how foreign workers could potentially compromise national security.

Hegseth said the Pentagon has issued a formal letter of concern to Microsoft and ordered a third-party audit of the company’s code to check for any hidden vulnerabilities.

Officials have warned that vendors must prioritize American security above profits if they want to do business with the Department of Defense.