China has proposed restricting or banning exports of 40 technologies — including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and solar power — citing national security concerns amid intensifying global technology competition. The commerce and science ministries jointly released a draft on Friday updating the country’s list of technologies subject to export controls. The commerce ministry said the measures were necessary to strengthen security, prevent misuse and keep AI under human control.
The proposal covers 23 AI technologies, including advanced large models and agents. Exports of core technologies used in AI models trained on sensitive national data would be banned outright, while models with at least two trillion parameters or certain world-leading capabilities could face restrictions. The draft names no specific models. Several chip-design technologies, including those for AI processors and memory chips, are also covered. Twelve solar-related technologies — including polysilicon production, perovskite and tandem solar cells — and five biomedical technologies involving cell and gene therapy are included.
Why solar made the list
The ministry said greater oversight is needed because solar technologies are increasingly being used in sensitive areas like aerospace and national defense. Chinese officials held initial talks with manufacturers about potential curbs on advanced solar-panel manufacturing as far back as April, a move that could threaten plans by US firms such as Tesla to expand production in America. Beijing has also curbed exports of solar-manufacturing technology to India, where officials are trying to build domestic capacity and shake off reliance on China.
A fragmenting landscape
Analyst Lian Jye Su of Omdia said the move could respond to Western sovereignty requirements for key technologies. Natixis economist Gary Ng said access to technology was becoming increasingly fragmented alongside global trade and investment. Exporters must now register certain overseas technology transfers until the export-control catalogue is formally updated. Public consultation on the proposal will close on November 15. The draft lands as Washington and Beijing race to secure the supply chains that will define the next decade of computing.
