China: New reporting requirements for technology transfers in AI and solar cells
The design includes 40 technologies from the fields of AI, photovoltaics and biomedicine
Quick Look
- China is planning export bans and licensing requirements for 40 key technologies, including AI, solar technology and biomedicine.
- The aim is to control technology transfer for security reasons.
- Comments are possible until November 15th.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
China plans to tighten export controls on 40 key technologies to regulate technology transfer abroad.
China wants to control more closely what technical knowledge goes abroad. The Ministry of Trade and Science presented a draft for 40 key technologies from the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), photovoltaics and biomedicine. Exports are to be banned for 14 of them, and permits are to be required for the remaining 26.
The new bans and approval requirements have not yet been decided. Comments can be submitted until November 15th. Since the announcement was published on Friday, companies have had to register affected technology transfers. These include, for example, the sale of property rights and the granting of licenses abroad.
The focus is on 23 AI technologies. This includes procedures for large AI models and so-called AI agents that carry out tasks largely independently. Further plans concern manufacturing processes for solar cells as well as techniques for cell and gene therapies.
Exceptions for AI services and finished solar modules
According to the ministry, 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, individual production systems are recorded, but finished solar modules are not subject to the planned controls.
The Ministry of Commerce cited security risks. AI can be used to attack important infrastructure. Solar technology is also used in space travel and defense. The measures were not directed against specific countries or companies.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The export controls come into force after the comment period expires on November 15th.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What impact do the controls have on international licensing agreements?
- How do foreign trading partners react to the new export restrictions?
