China Proposes Export Controls on AI Technology

China is considering new export controls on AI technologies that could potentially restrict the overseas transfers of AI models and chip designs deemed strategically important.

The Ministry of Commerce on Friday issued a draft plan to add 40 technologies across AI, biomedicine and photovoltaic sectors to China’s list of restricted technologies. The proposed curbs cover 23 AI-related technologies such as large language models, AI agents, chip design and computing clusters. Technologies already available through published research papers or open-source releases wouldn’t be subject to the restrictions.

For the largest models or models that rank among the world’s top 10 on leaderboards, companies would need approval to send the model, its code or its underlying design overseas, according to the ministry.

This year, Chinese models such as Moonshot AI’s Kimi K3 and Z.ai’s GLM-5.3 have gained massive popularity around the world by offering capabilities that come close to those of American frontier models at much lower prices.

A ministry spokesperson told reporters that the new restrictions were aimed at ensuring that AI remains safe and controllable, citing the risk of misuse of the technology. “If obtained by non-state actors or malicious entities, they could pose a threat to national security and the security of humanity,” the spokesperson said.

Public opinion is being sought on the proposal until November 15.

Pending the formal implementation of new rules, companies must register for the export of technologies covered under the draft proposal. The registration requirement, effective Friday, covers transfers of technology ownership, overseas licensing and transfers of ownership to foreign entities. It also applies to export transactions that began but have yet to be completed.