China Plans to Impose Export Bans and Restrictions on 40 Technologies to Protect National Security

Beijing, Oct 16 (KUNA) -- China announced on Friday its intention to impose export bans and restrictions on 40 technologies related to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and photovoltaics, a move it described as aimed at safeguarding national security and preventing these technologies from getting out of control.

In a statement carried by the Xinhua News Agency, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had proposed amendments to the “Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export from China,” adding 23 AI-related technologies, five biotechnology-related technologies, and 13 photovoltaic-related technologies to the list.

According to the statement, the application of these technologies in sensitive fields has continued to expand in recent years, with major economies around the world imposing varying degrees of export controls. Accordingly, China will take similar steps to prevent the improper proliferation of these technologies while ensuring normal international technological exchange.

The statement noted that 14 technologies are proposed to be banned from export, including AI-assisted generation and diversification of malicious code, and the production of perovskite battery components and tandem cells. The 26 technologies proposed for export restrictions include AI-assisted vulnerability exploration and verification of new targets for cell and gene therapies.

It added that these amendments constitute a routine measure implemented in accordance with the law and do not target any specific country, region, or entity.

The ministry emphasized that the relevant technologies could be used in space and unmanned equipment to attack critical national information infrastructure and sensitive systems in the defense industry, which could pose a threat to national security, underscoring the need for strict oversight. (End) S.L.Q./F.A.S.