The PRC government is considering an initiative to introduce export controls on national artificial intelligence models ranking among the top ten in the world for processing speed, as well as on computing infrastructure deployed by Chinese providers outside the country. This is reported by Bloomberg, citing documents prepared by the PRC Ministry of Commerce. The initiative essentially mirrors Washington's approach, which has used export control mechanisms for several years as a tool to maintain technological leadership in the global market.
Twenty-Three Technologies Under the Regulator's Crosshairs
According to Bloomberg, 23 technologies related to artificial intelligence may be included in the list subject to export controls. In addition to large language models, the list potentially covers AI agents, design documentation for semiconductor components, and ready-made computing clusters. The filtration of source code and AI model weights exports will be carried out based on processing speed criteria. It is important to emphasize that all listed measures will enter into force only if the bill is adopted in its proposed form. At the time of publication, the document is under review.
Selection Criteria: Two Trillion Parameters and the Global Top Ten
Preliminary criteria for filtering AI model exports include the number of parameters—at least two trillion—as well as the model's presence in the world's top ten for speed, usability, and security. Restrictions apply to the export of model weights, checkpoints, source code, and architecture. A separate clause stipulates that the export of models trained on key data within China will be prohibited: arrays containing information about national security, the economy, people's livelihoods, and core public interests.
Open Source and Automatic Licenses
Open-source technologies and developments that are already publicly available will not be covered by the new export regulation rules. For new open-source developments, Chinese officials plan to provide mechanisms for the automatic granting of export licenses. The deployment of foreign computing infrastructure owned by a Chinese provider also falls under automatic export licensing. Chinese authorities emphasize that the proposed steps are not directed against specific regions, countries, or organizations.
Mandatory Transaction Registration Starting Now
Despite the fact that the bill has not yet been adopted, as of the current date, PRC authorities have begun requiring participants in export activities to mandatory register relevant transactions. All operations leading to the transfer of these technologies under foreign control or their licensing must undergo mandatory registration, even if they are not yet completed. The deployment of a qualifying AI model outside the PRC falls into cases that must be declared. According to the regulator's design, these measures will help prevent the use of AI technologies by malicious actors for attacks on critical infrastructure, the defense industry, and key government systems.
Context: Narrowing Gap and Geopolitics
Chinese AI models have noticeably narrowed the gap with American ones in recent months, although US developers periodically accuse Chinese rivals of distilling their own models. Nevertheless, the desire of Chinese companies to enter markets outside the PRC remains high. It is in this context that the export control initiative looks like Beijing's attempt to turn technological advantage into an instrument of state policy—following the model of, but also in counterbalance to, American practice. Representatives of the PRC Ministry of Commerce explained to Bloomberg that the proposed restrictions are aimed at ensuring the safety and controllability of AI technologies both domestically and on the international market.
