China Plans Export Controls on AI, Solar, and Biomedical Technologies

Focus on Key Technologies China Is Tightening Control Over the Exchange of Knowledge

2026-10-19 Source: dpa 1 min Reading Time

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China now plans to pay closer attention to what technical knowledge is being transferred abroad. A list has already been compiled specifying which types of know-how are affected ...

After China began taking a closer look last year at what kind of know-how is allowed to leave the country, it is now tightening controls even further...(Image: AI-generated) — After China began taking a closer look last year at what kind of know-how is allowed to leave the country, it is now tightening controls even further...
(Image: AI-generated)

China has had restrictions in place since last year on the transfer of knowledge regarding the manufacture of battery materials and the extraction of lithium. Now, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology have presented a draft list of 40 key technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), photovoltaics, and biomedicine, the export of which should also be subject to stricter controls. Exports of 14 of these technologies are even set to be banned. For the remaining 26, permits will be required to access the relevant knowledge. However, the new bans and permit requirements have not yet been finalized. Comments may be submitted until November 15, according to the announcement. Ever since the announcement was published (on October 16), companies have been required to register affected technology transfers. These include, for example, the sale of intellectual property rights and the granting of licenses abroad.

Exceptions Apply only to AI Services and Finished Solar Modules

The Ministry of Commerce cited security risks. AI could be used to launch attacks on critical infrastructure. Solar technology is also used in the aerospace and defense sectors. More specifically, the focus is on 23 AI technologies. These include methods for large AI models and so-called AI agents, which can perform tasks largely autonomously. Further plans concern manufacturing processes for solar cells as well as expertise in cell and gene therapies. According to the ministry, however, access to AI services via apps and websites will remain exempt from the new export controls. This also applies to AI technologies that are already publicly available. In the case of solar technology, while individual production facilities would be covered, finished solar modules would not fall under the planned controls. The measures are not directed against specific countries or companies.

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