China-US AI Rivalry Drives Export Curbs | WION News

Proposed AI Export Controls

China has proposed export controls on 23 artificial-intelligence technologies as part of a wider update covering 40 strategic technologies across AI, biotechnology and solar power.

The measures would oversee the overseas deployment of AI models containing restricted technology. However, access through APIs, websites, apps and software-as-a-service platforms would remain outside the proposed restrictions. This could allow Chinese firms such as DeepSeek and Alibaba to continue expanding internationally while giving Beijing greater control over the transfer of underlying technology.

Rationale and Context

China says the controls are partly intended to prevent misuse. Officials have raised concerns that advanced AI could generate or modify malicious software, threatening critical infrastructure and national security and potentially accelerating cyberattacks.

The proposals come as Chinese AI models gain users globally, helped by lower costs and improving capabilities. They also form part of the wider US–China technology rivalry. US restrictions on China’s access to advanced AI chips have helped companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic retain an edge in developing frontier models, while Chinese firms work to close the gap.

The report also says Washington and Beijing have agreed to keep humans in control of nuclear-weapons decisions and to establish a dialogue on regulating advanced AI.

Scope and Exceptions

Most AI technologies would remain freely exportable. The proposals would exclude:

• Open-source technologies
• Material already in the public domain, such as academic papers

Licensing for some open-source exports and for Chinese companies’ overseas computing centers would also be simplified. The broader proposals include restrictions on transferring intellectual-property ownership for certain novel cell and gene therapies.

Timeline

• October 16: Exporters must begin registering certain overseas technology transfers.
• November 15: Public consultation on the proposed rules is scheduled to close.

The final framework will determine how the controls are implemented.

Presenter/contributors: WION news presenter (unnamed in the subtitles).