China Plans to Add 40 Key AI, Biotech and Solar Technologies to Export Restriction List

China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology have released an announcement seeking public comments on revising the Catalog of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export, along with temporary export registration measures. The revision plans to add 40 key technologies across AI, biomedicine, and solar power. 14 technologies are proposed for export bans, and 26 for export restrictions. The AI part covers 23 technologies including large models, AI agents, computing clusters, and information processing. Officials said the move aims to prevent misuse and keep AI safe and controllable. For cases like open-source tech or building computing centers abroad, automatic licenses and other fast-track measures apply, with approvals basically granted on the spot. Open-source tech already in the public domain is not covered. Overseas local deployment of restricted AI models falls under export management, while API calls and SaaS services are excluded. Most AI technologies can still be freely exported.