China's largest computer maker Lenovo said it would lay off 450 international employees in China to further reduce cost.

Those employees affected are the supporting staff of the company's oversea business, the company said.

"In light of the global economic problems, we must act decisively to reduce costs associated with global staffing and support functions to ensure our competitive strength," said Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo CEO, in a statement. "While our business in China remains very strong, many of our global support functions have employees based in China."

The latest round of layoffs will be completed by the end of next month, the company said.

(China Daily February 25, 2009)