China has reported the death of several leading IT specialists over the past three years.

Over the past three years, several leading experts involved in the study of artificial intelligence (AI) have died at a young age in China. This was reported on April 15 by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper.

"The early deaths of these experts — as a result of accidents or illnesses — have raised concerns about the personal safety of industry professionals and the stressful research environment in which they work," the SCMP said in a statement.

The publication clarified that among those who died was Sun Jian, a 45-year-old employee of the Beijing-based Megvii Technology company, who died in 2022. In 2023, 38-year-old AI researcher Feng Yanhe and 55-year-old artificial intelligence expert, professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and founder of IT giant SenseTime Tan Xiaow died. All of them, according to the SCMP, died due to sudden illnesses or accidents.

According to the newspaper, experts are concerned that the deaths of leading experts may be the result of pressure on the industry amid the ongoing technology war between China and the United States. They noted the high level of competition in the industry, which creates additional pressure on employees.

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On March 1, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese authorities had urged their leading AI figures to avoid traveling to the United States amid security concerns. China fears that industry leaders may be detained and used as a bargaining chip in negotiations between the United States and China.