Beijing seeks export controls on 40 key technologies

Beijing wants tighter control over exports of key technologies. On Friday, the commerce and science ministries published a list of 40 technologies. Exports of 14 would be banned; the other 26 would require a licence.

The proposal covers artificial intelligence, biomedicine and solar technology. The list is still a draft. But temporary registration requirements already apply before the listed technologies can be exported.

Chinese AI apps would remain available abroad

23 entries on the list concern AI. They include large AI models and programs that carry out tasks autonomously. Beijing cites security risks as the reason for the proposed controls.

For users of Chinese AI services, little should change under these measures. According to the commerce ministry, access through apps, websites and programming interfaces falls outside the proposed controls on model technology exports.

A company could therefore continue using a Chinese AI service online. But running a covered model on its own servers outside China could require a licence. Simplified procedures are planned for certain cases.

Technology already in the public domain, including through open-source releases, would be excluded from the new controls.

Equipment for solar factories could also be affected

12 proposed entries concern the solar industry. They cover processes for producing polysilicon, silicon wafers and solar cells.

The rules could also cover certain production machines if they incorporate the controlled technology. Buying finished solar panels, however, would not in itself bring a transaction under the new technology controls, according to the ministry.

A manufacturer using Chinese technology to build a solar factory abroad could therefore need an additional licence. This could also apply to installation and commissioning work if it involves transferring controlled know-how.

Exporters already have to register

Companies and industry associations can comment on the draft until November 15. The final bans and restrictions have yet to be decided.

The temporary registration requirement, however, has been in effect since October 16.

Exporters must state who will receive the technology, in which country it will be used and for what purpose.

In April, Chinese authorities blocked Meta's acquisition of the AI company Manus following a security review and ordered the deal to be unwound. Manus had already moved its headquarters to Singapore. Beijing still had the final say.

On Thursday, I was back at AgiBot in Shanghai. I met specialists in robotics solutions and training-data collection.

For a company considering a robot, a useful question is: What data and adjustments does the system need to perform our task?

On our company visits, we therefore want to speak to the people working on the relevant application. Their answers should help the visitors plan the next test in their own operation.

Send us the task you want to automate. We will select suitable manufacturers and people to meet in China.

Companies planning to test robots in their operations need to establish how they will work alongside people and which safety requirements apply. Humanoid Europe 2026 in Munich on November 5 and 6 brings together specialists from Unitree, Bosch and Fraunhofer. The programme covers functional safety, cybersecurity and applications in manufacturing and logistics.

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China's battery makers are growing through LFP cells and new overseas customers. Global battery volume in vehicles rose 19.7% from January through August 2026.

The concentration makes finding a second source a question of diversifying risk. Check candidates' production locations, cell chemistry and approvals in your target market before treating two suppliers on a list as protection against disruption.

DSET, The Age of Robotics: By late 2025, more than 150 Chinese companies were working on humanoid robots or major subsystems, according to the research institute. More than 40 state-funded training centers had been announced. The study examines where Chinese manufacturers still rely on foreign suppliers for chips, software and precision components. Download the report as a PDF in English.

Our take: When choosing a robot supplier, check where critical components come from and how easily they can be replaced. You can discuss these questions with manufacturers on robotics company visits in Shenzhen and Shanghai.