China plans tighter export controls on 40 key technologies in AI, solar, biomedicine
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China's government plans to tighten export controls on 40 key technologies in artificial intelligence, photovoltaics, and biomedicine. A registration requirement is already in effect, while a draft from the Commerce Ministry and Science and Technology Ministry proposes outright export bans for 14 areas and restrictions or licensing for 26 others. The measures cite security interests, including risks of AI being used to attack critical infrastructure. The draft focuses on 23 AI technologies, including large-model methods and AI agents, with bans on offensive cyber-capable AI. Twelve solar technologies face controls, including bans on certain thin wafers, perovskite and tandem technologies, and a new polysilicon production process, though finished solar modules are excluded. Public comments are open until November 15. China is the dominant solar exporter, and the controls may aim to defend its technological lead amid US-China rivalry.
Source report
By Sven Hansen
The Chinese government plans to tighten controls on the export of 40 key technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), photovoltaics, and biomedicine. A registration requirement is already in effect as of now. Exports are to be banned entirely in 14 areas, while 26 others will face restrictions and require explicit approval. This is stipulated in a joint draft by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology that was made public last Friday.
Unlike the registration requirement for corresponding technology transfers, which has already been introduced with immediate effect, the plans have not yet been definitively approved. Statements can still be submitted to the ministries until November 15.
The announced measures are justified on the grounds of China's security interests. AI, for instance, could be used for attacks on critical infrastructure. The goal is "to prevent the risk of technologies spiraling out of control or being disseminated improperly, while at the same time protecting normal international exchange and cooperation in science and technology," the Ministry of Commerce explained, according to the news agency Reuters.
Focus on AI Technologies
The announcement focuses on 23 AI technologies, including methods for large AI models and so-called AI agents that carry out tasks largely autonomously. The export of AI technologies with particularly offensive cyber capabilities is to be banned. Access to AI services via apps and websites is not to be affected by the controls. Technologies that are publicly accessible through open-source publications or scientific papers are also to be exempt.
Export Controls on Solar Technology
According to the Ministry of Commerce, 12 solar technologies require stronger oversight, as they are increasingly used in areas such as aerospace and national defense. In the solar sector, the export of technologies for certain thin wafers and particularly efficient perovskite and tandem technologies is to be banned, as is a new process for producing polysilicon.
The export controls on solar technology do not cover finished solar modules. China is by far the world market leader in this area and plays a key role in Europe's energy transition with its inexpensive solar modules. With the announced measures, Beijing is likely attempting to defend Chinese dominance in the sector.
Geopolitical Context
The Ministry of Commerce in Beijing emphasized that the announced measures are not directed against specific countries or companies. However, China and the United States are engaged not only in technological competition but also in a global hegemonic conflict. The US has likewise banned the export of particularly powerful AI chips to China. In 2025, China restricted certain processes for manufacturing batteries, such as lithium extraction, and introduced export controls on certain rare earths. The latter was a response to tariffs by the US government under Donald Trump.
Economic Implications
China's trade surplus amounted to 938 billion US dollars in the first nine months of the year. That is an increase of 21.3 percent compared with the same period the previous year. Because of continued weak domestic demand, exports are a way out for many companies. It remains unclear how the announced high-tech export controls will affect the large trade surplus. Exports could suffer under the controls in the short term, but effective defense of technological advantages could also offer export benefits in the medium term.
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China Proposes Export Controls on 40 AI, Biomedicine and Solar Technologies