China Proposes Export Controls on AI Technologies
By Sherry Qin
China is considering new export controls on artificial-intelligence technologies in a bid to safeguard the strategically critical industry amid intensifying competition.
The Ministry of Commerce on Friday issued a draft plan to add 40 technologies in the AI, biomedicine and photovoltaics sectors to a list of technologies prohibited or restricted from export. The ministry is seeking public comment on the proposed restrictions until Nov. 15.
The proposed changes cover 23 AI-related technologies such as large language models, AI agents, chip design and computing clusters. Technologies that have entered the public domain through published papers or open-source releases are excluded from controls, according to the draft proposal.
China has imposed a temporary registration requirement for exports of the technologies covered by the proposed plan until a formal implementation of the changes. The registration, which started Friday, applies to transfers of technology ownership, overseas licensing as well as moving ownership to a foreign entity. Exports that have began but aren't completed yet also fall within the scope of registration.
A commerce ministry spokesperson said Friday in a statement that the proposed measures aim to ensure that AI technology is safe and controllable.
In response to a question on how the proposed export controls would affect Chinese AI companies seeking to expand internationally, the ministry spokesperson said that would hinge on "whether it involves the transfer of restricted technologies from within China to locations outside its borders."
The Wall Street Journal reported in July that Chinese officials have held discussions with domestic AI labs that produce the country's most powerful models about how to protect their proprietary technology. Beijing is concerned that sharing some of this technology could help adversaries or other malicious actors and ultimately get weaponized against China.
In April, China blocked Meta Platforms' $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus on national security grounds.
Write to Sherry Qin at sherry.qin@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 16, 2026 06:20 ET (10:20 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar.
Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees.
Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent financial advice before making any decisions based on such content. The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
Popular
5 Stocks to Sell for Tax-Loss Harvesting
33 Undervalued Stocks to Buy Before the Market Shifts Again
Ask the Analyst: What Is the Best Source for Low-Risk Tax-Free Income?
The Smartest Moves for Bond Investors Today, and What to Do When You Have Too Many Investments
United States