China Moves to Curb Tech Exports, Including AI, Citing National Security Risks

Amid a growing technological competition environment with countries led by the United States, China has announced plans to restrict or ban the export of 40 different items covering artificial intelligence, chips, and solar energy technologies. The draft document, jointly published by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology, includes updates to the country's catalogue of technologies subject to export bans and restrictions.

Export Restrictions and Ministerial Statement

In a statement made by a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, it was stated that this step taken was necessary and national security was cited among the reasons. This move coincided with a period when China and the U.S. were engaging in dialogue on issues such as artificial intelligence safety and governance, and establishing a notification mechanism for events that could threaten national security.

Measures Regarding Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models

According to Chinese ministries, 23 artificial intelligence technologies, ranging from advanced large models to AI agents, are included in the list published on Friday. The export of core technologies of large models trained with sensitive national data, as well as agents designed for use in sensitive environments such as national defense, will be banned.

It was stated that the government implemented these measures to reinforce security, prevent misuse, and ensure that artificial intelligence remains under human control. The export of models with 2 trillion parameters or more, or possessing world-leading features, may also be restricted.

Regulations in Chip and Solar Energy Technologies

Various chip design technologies, including artificial intelligence processing chips and memory chips, are also among the proposed export restrictions.

Twelve solar energy technologies, including the production of polysilicon—the fundamental raw material of the solar supply chain—are also on the list. Additionally, five biomedicine technologies related to cell and gene therapy were included within the scope of the regulation.

Assessments by International Experts

Lian Jye Su, a senior analyst at technology research group Omdia, evaluated this step as a response to Western countries' demands for sovereignty in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and telecommunications. The goal is seen as better regulating access to Chinese technologies.