China considers tighter export controls on artificial intelligence technologies

21:00

By: Azzat Manal

China considers tighter export controls on artificial intelligence technologies

China is considering new restrictions on the export of technologies linked to artificial intelligence, biotechnology and solar energy, as competition with the United States intensifies across strategic industries. A draft published by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday proposes new controls intended to limit the risks associated with sensitive technologies and prevent their misuse.

The proposal identifies 14 technologies whose export would be prohibited under the draft rules. These include tools that use artificial intelligence to generate or modify malicious code, as well as AI models trained on Chinese strategic and sensitive data. The measures reflect Beijing’s growing focus on protecting technological capabilities that it considers important to national security and economic interests.

The draft also proposes restrictions on exports involving 26 additional technologies, including certain tools that could potentially be used for cyberattacks. If adopted, the measures would expand the range of technology transfers subject to government scrutiny and could affect companies operating across international research, manufacturing and digital services networks.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Commerce said the risks associated with artificial intelligence have attracted considerable attention from governments worldwide. Chinese authorities argue that regulation is necessary to prevent abuse and malicious applications, particularly as advanced AI systems become more capable and accessible.

The proposed rules have entered a one-month public consultation period beginning Friday. The consultation will allow interested parties to provide feedback before the government decides whether and how to implement the measures. The final scope of the restrictions will depend on the outcome of this process.

The initiative comes amid an increasingly intense technological rivalry between Beijing and Washington. Both countries have raised concerns in recent months about the alleged appropriation of AI capabilities developed by companies on the other side. Their competition extends beyond artificial intelligence to semiconductors, cybersecurity, clean energy and other technologies regarded as essential to future economic and strategic influence.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly called for stronger safeguards governing AI development and deployment. US President Donald Trump, by contrast, has advocated a lighter regulatory approach to the sector. The differing positions illustrate a broader international debate over how governments should balance technological innovation, commercial freedom, national security and public safety.

China’s proposed export controls could have implications for international technology supply chains, particularly where specialist software, research tools or AI systems depend on cross-border cooperation. As governments seek to protect sensitive capabilities while maintaining access to global markets, the challenge will be to manage security risks without unnecessarily disrupting innovation and legitimate commercial exchanges.