China proposes export restrictions on 40 technologies including AI

China on Friday announced plans to restrict or ban exports of 40 technologies spanning artificial intelligence, chips, and solar power. The Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology jointly published a draft document proposing updates to China’s catalog of technologies subject to export bans or restrictions. A spokesperson from the commerce ministry stated the move was “necessary” and cited national security as one of the reasons.

AI and Chip Restrictions

The proposal includes 23 AI technologies, ranging from advanced large models to agents. Under the draft, exports of core technologies for AI large models trained using sensitive national data would be prohibited. Additionally, AI agents designed for use in highly sensitive environments, such as national defense and critical information infrastructure, would face export bans.

Exports of AI models with parameter counts of 2 trillion or above, or those with certain world-leading capabilities, could be restricted. While Chinese AI models such as Moonshot’s Kimi K3 and Alibaba’s Qwen 3.8-Max have parameter counts exceeding 2 trillion, the proposal did not name specific models. Several chip design technologies, including those for some AI processing chips and memory chips, are also included in the proposed restrictions.

The commerce ministry’s statement said, “The Chinese government is implementing such necessary measures with the aims of reinforcing the security bottom line, preventing misuse and abuse, and ensuring that AI remains under human control.”

Solar and Biomedicine Controls

The draft also targets 12 solar power-related technologies, including those related to the making of polysilicon, a core raw material for the solar supply chain. Five biomedicine technologies, including those related to cell and gene therapy, are included in the proposed export restrictions.

According to a report by The Hindu, the draft titled Announcement No. 48 provides for a complete ban on the export of 14 technologies and restrictions on another 26. The measures concern technologies for manufacturing next-generation solar cells, which could affect efforts by countries including India to reduce dependence on China for solar industry manufacturing.

Context and Response

The proposal comes as China and the U.S. have made progress in dialogues over AI safety and governance, including setting up a notification mechanism for AI incidents that could threaten national security. U.S.-led restrictions have previously curbed the export of some advanced technologies to China, blocking access to cutting-edge AI chips and chipmaking machines.

Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at technology research and advisory group Omdia, said the move “can be seen as a response to Western countries posting sovereignty requirements on AI, robotics, telecommunications, and other key technologies.” He believes the aim is to better regulate access to Chinese technologies.

Why it matters

Gary Ng, a senior economist at French bank Natixis, noted that AI is increasingly strategic for both China and the U.S. “The world is getting more fragmented in trade and investment, but also in access to technologies,” Ng said. The proposal reflects a broader trend of nations tightening control over critical technologies amid intensifying geopolitical competition.

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Sources

• ctvnews.ca: China restricting tech exports due to security risks
• santacruzsentinel.com: China moves to curb tech exports, citing national security risks
• finance.biggo.com: China Plans to Add 40 Technologies Including Large Language Models and Photovoltaic Silicon Wafers to Export Controls, Effective Immediately with Interim Registration — BigGo Finance
• ua.news: China proposes banning exports of 14 technologies — The Hindu | UA.NEWS
• apnews.com: China moves to curb tech exports including for AI and solar | AP News
• ctinsider.com: China moves to curb tech exports, including AI, citing national security risks

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.