China proposes banning exports of AI models, chips and solar tech in sweeping 40-technology crackdown

Beijing has proposed curbing or banning 40 strategically vital technologies — spanning artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals and solar power — citing national security concerns as its technology rivalry with the United States sharpens. China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology released the draft on Friday, opening a public consultation period running until 15 November; the final scope could therefore still shift before any measures come into force. Twenty-three AI technologies fall within the proposal's scope, covering the three core pillars of China's AI industry: large language models, intelligent agents and computing clusters.

Exports of core AI models trained on sensitive national data would be outright banned, with AI agents designed for defence or critical infrastructure also prohibited.

AI models with parameter counts of 2 trillion or above, or with world-leading capabilities, face potential restriction rather than a full ban under the draft.

Open-source technologies already in the public domain would remain exempt, and Beijing insists the controls are not aimed at any specific country or entity.