China proposes export curbs on AI, chip and solar technologies

China has proposed restricting or banning exports of 40 technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and solar power, citing national security concerns amid intensifying global technology competition.

The commerce and science ministries on Friday jointly released a draft updating the country's list of technologies subject to export controls. The commerce ministry said the measures were necessary to strengthen security, prevent misuse and keep AI under human control.

The proposal covers 23 AI technologies, including advanced large models and agents. Exports of core technologies used in AI models trained on sensitive national data would be banned, while models with at least two trillion parameters or certain world-leading capabilities could face restrictions. The draft names no specific models.

Several chip-design technologies, including those for AI processors and memory chips, are also covered. Twelve solar-related technologies, including polysilicon production, and five biomedical technologies involving cell and gene therapy are included.

Analyst Lian Jye Su of Omdia said the move could respond to Western sovereignty requirements for key technologies. Natixis economist Gary Ng said access to technology was becoming increasingly fragmented alongside global trade and investment.

The proposal comes as China and the United States discuss AI safety, governance and a mechanism to notify each other of AI incidents threatening national security. US restrictions have limited China's access to advanced AI chips and chipmaking equipment. In June, Washington also sought restrictions on foreign nationals' access to certain powerful Anthropic AI models, though they were later lifted.