Beijing locks down its AI… but not its APIs
Analyses: MOFCOM–MOST Announcement No. 48 (2026): revision of the catalogue of technologies prohibited or restricted from export (draft for public consultation)
On 16 October, China proposed banning or licensing the export of 23 AI technologies, from the weights of giant models to chip designs. Beijing calls the text “precise and limited” and says it “does not target any country”. We read the annex.