China proposes export curbs on 40 AI and solar technologies
China's commerce and science ministries have released a draft plan adding 40 technologies, including AI, biomedicine, chips and solar power, to its export control list. Public comments are being sought, with national security cited as the reason.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
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What happened
China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology issued a joint announcement on October 16, 2026, proposing to add 40 technologies to its export control catalogue. The technologies span artificial intelligence, biomedicine, chips and photovoltaic solar power, and would be restricted or banned from export. Authorities are soliciting public comments on the draft.
Why it matters
China cites national security risks for the proposed curbs, as its technology race with countries including the United States intensifies.
Timeline
- Oct 16, 2026: The commerce and science ministries issued a joint announcement proposing the export controls and seeking public comments.
- Oct 16, 6:00 PM ET: China and the U.S. reported progress in dialogues on AI safety and governance, including a notification mechanism for AI incidents that could threaten national security.
Coverage
- China says it will curb tech exports, including AI, citing national security risks (PBS)
- China tightens export controls on open-weight models and 23 key AI technologies (the-decoder.com)
- China unveils draft export controls on AI technologies and chips (Financial Times)
- China moves to curb tech exports, including AI, citing national security risks (WRAL)
- China Plans AI Tech Export Curbs to Manage Security Risks (Bloomberg)
- China to add AI, biopharma and solar tech to export control list (Nikkei Asia)
- China proposes adding 40 AI, biotech, solar technologies to export control list (Reuters)
- Breaking | China mulls new tech export bans covering AI, biotech and solar power (South China Morning Post)
- China plans to place 40 technologies including large language models and photovoltaic silicon wafers under export controls, initiating interim registration (BigGo Finance)
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