IBM to shut down research in China, over 1,000 employees to laid off

American tech giant International Business Machines (IBM) is ceasing its research and development (R&D) operations in China, resulting in the layoffs of more than 1,000 employees.

According to Report, which cites South China Morning Post (SCMP), the company is closing down its China Development Lab and China Systems Lab, with job cuts affecting workers in several cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Dalian.

Over the weekend, Chinese IBM R&D specialists found themselves locked out of the company's internal network, a harbinger of the impending layoffs announced during an internal meeting on Monday.

An IBM representative stated, "IBM is adapting its operations to better serve clients, and these changes will not impact its ability to support clients across China." The company has not provided further details on the reasons behind the decision or its future plans for the Chinese market.