China Drafts Export Controls on 23 AI Technologies
Beijing's commerce and science ministries propose adding 23 AI items to export ban or restriction lists; public comment runs until November 15.
China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology published a draft on October 16 that would add 23 AI-related technologies to the country's export ban or restriction lists.
The draft covers 40 technologies in total across AI, biopharmaceuticals and solar power, with 14 items proposed for an export ban and 26 for export restriction, according to CNET Japan.
Among the AI entries are large-scale models, autonomous AI agents and technologies for server clusters that handle AI computation. The proposal remains at the draft stage, and public comment runs until November 15.
The draft sets out exclusions: providing large AI model functions overseas through APIs, apps or websites would fall outside the export control on large model technology, as would SaaS using such models and small models running on devices. Technologies already public as open source or in academic papers are also excluded, while newly open-sourced AI technology can use simplified procedures such as automatic licensing.
Separately, pre-export registration for covered technologies became mandatory from October 16 as an interim measure ahead of any formal bans or restrictions. Registration applies to transferring technology ownership or intellectual property overseas, granting overseas rights to use Chinese technology, and changes in technology owners or beneficial controllers to foreign entities.
Quick answers
Which AI technologies would China's draft export controls cover?
The draft lists large-scale models, autonomous AI agents and technologies for server clusters handling AI computation among the AI-related items.
When does public comment on the draft close?
Public comment runs until November 15, and the proposal is still at the draft stage.
Are open-source AI technologies affected?
Technologies already public as open source or in academic papers are excluded, and newly open-sourcing AI technology can use simplified procedures such as automatic licensing.