China has proposed new restrictions on the export of 40 technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing and solar power technologies, citing national security concerns as competition with the United States intensifies.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology jointly published a draft proposal on Friday to update the country’s catalogue of technologies subject to export bans or restrictions.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said the proposed measures were necessary to strengthen national security, prevent the misuse of technology and ensure that artificial intelligence remains under human control.
The proposal covers 23 AI-related technologies, including advanced large language models and AI agents, as Beijing seeks tighter oversight of technologies considered strategically important.
Under the proposal, exports of core technologies used in AI models trained on sensitive national data would be prohibited. Restrictions would also apply to AI agents designed for highly sensitive environments, including national defence and critical information infrastructure.
Exports of AI models with at least two trillion parameters, or those possessing certain world-leading capabilities, could also face restrictions.
Parameters are numerical values that AI models learn during training and use to generate responses, recognise patterns and perform tasks.
Chinese AI models, including Moonshot’s Kimi K3 and Alibaba’s Qwen 3.8-Max, are among those reported to exceed the two-trillion-parameter threshold. However, the draft proposal does not identify specific models that would be affected.
The planned restrictions extend beyond artificial intelligence to include chip design technologies used in some AI processors and memory chips, as well as technologies associated with solar energy production and biomedicine.
Twelve solar-related technologies are included in the proposal, among them processes used to manufacture polysilicon, a key raw material in the solar supply chain. Five biomedicine technologies, including those associated with cell and gene therapy, are also covered.
The proposed measures come as China faces US-led restrictions on access to advanced semiconductors and the specialised equipment required to manufacture them.
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Washington has imposed controls on exports of advanced AI chips and chipmaking machinery to China, seeking to limit Beijing’s access to technologies with potential military and strategic applications.
Analysts said China’s proposed restrictions could also be viewed within the broader competition over control of critical technologies and the rules governing their international transfer.
Lian Jye Su, chief analyst at technology research and advisory firm Omdia, said the move could be a response to Western countries introducing sovereignty requirements for technologies such as AI, robotics and telecommunications.
He said the proposed controls would give Beijing greater oversight of access to sensitive Chinese technologies.
Gary Ng, a senior economist at French bank Natixis, said AI was becoming increasingly strategic for both China and the United States, amid growing fragmentation in global trade, investment and access to technology.
The announcement comes as the two countries continue discussions on AI safety and governance, including a proposed mechanism for notifying each other about AI-related incidents that could threaten national security.
Despite those diplomatic efforts, the proposed export controls underscore the challenges facing international technology cooperation as both countries seek to protect strategic capabilities while competing for leadership in artificial intelligence.
The restrictions remain proposals, with the Chinese authorities yet to finalise the updated technology export catalogue.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
