China proposes controls on 40 AI, solar and biopharma exports amid rising tech war with the West

China's commerce and science and technology ministries on Friday published draft controls covering 40 advanced technologies — including large language models, AI agents and computing clusters — open to public consultation until 15 November. Officials described the measures as routine national security practice, not a response aimed at any specific country. The proposed restrictions also cover cell and gene therapies, polysilicon production and solar cell technologies — sectors in which China holds a commanding share of global supply chains.

Technologies already in the public domain through open-source releases would be excluded from the proposed controls.

Rules requiring the registration of overseas technology transfers and licensing agreements came into force on Friday, before the draft regulations are finalised.

Beijing cited the "constantly expanding" use of AI and biotech in sensitive fields, noting that "major economies" have already put similar restrictions in place.