China's new export curbs draw a line around its AI crown jewels
NVDA•China’s proposed rules would broadly allow overseas customers to use Chinese AI services through websites and cloud platforms while subjecting some transfers of underlying technology and overseas deployments to government approval. The draft adds 23 AI-related technologies to export controls, with public comment open until November 15.
1. Proposed export controls
China’s draft rules, released October 16, distinguish between overseas customers accessing Chinese AI services and foreign companies obtaining models, data or expertise to operate or reproduce them independently. The proposals would broadly permit access through websites and cloud platforms, while some technology transfers and overseas deployments would require government approval.
2. Thresholds and implementation
The draft adds 23 AI-related technologies to a list banning or restricting exports, including advanced models, AI agents and technology used to design chips and run large computing facilities. Models could be covered if training requires at least 10 to the power of 26 calculations, they have at least 2 trillion parameters, or they rank among the world’s top 10 in specified assessments. A temporary requirement to register certain transfers took effect October 16; the proposals are open for public comment until November 15.
3. Questions over overseas operations
The rules could affect how Chinese AI firms operate advanced models on overseas data centres, structure partnerships and handle foreign investment or ownership of AI assets. Researchers at major Chinese AI labs are seeking clarification on whether they can train or run advanced models on foreign-owned servers overseas. China is expected to adopt the proposals by year-end and issue implementation guidelines later, a source familiar with the matter said.
