Chinese authorities are considering new restrictions that could limit overseas access to the country’s most advanced artificial intelligence models as Beijing moves to strengthen control over strategic AI technologies.
According to Reuters, citing people familiar with the discussions, Chinese officials have held meetings over the past month with major technology companies, including Alibaba, ByteDance, and AI startup Z.ai, to discuss measures covering advanced AI models, including future releases.
The discussions were reportedly led by China’s Ministry of Commerce and reflect the government’s growing view of advanced AI as a strategic national asset.
According to Reuters, officials discussed restricting access to both proprietary and open-source AI models, while also considering classifying the theft or unauthorised disclosure of advanced AI technologies as an offence under China’s national security laws.
Authorities also explored possible restrictions on foreign investment in domestic AI startups as part of broader efforts to safeguard China’s AI ecosystem.
The proposed measures are still under discussion, and it remains unclear whether they will apply only to future AI models or also affect existing ones.
The move mirrors similar efforts by the United States to restrict the export of advanced AI technologies on national security grounds.
