Asia Tech Wire (Sep 4) -- Samsung Electronics has responded to rumors of layoffs in its Chinese sales department.

According to Korean media outlet Sedaily, Samsung's Chinese arm has recently notified its employees of layoffs and has begun recruiting "voluntary leavers".

The China layoffs may involve 8% of the 1,600 regional sales employees, about 130 people.

In this regard, Samsung China said, "In order to improve the company's organizational efficiency and market competitiveness, the company will carry out the necessary business adjustments and personnel optimization."

"By cutting a portion of highly repetitive jobs and positions, we will ensure a better allocation of the company's resources and enhance organizational efficiency," it added.