China seeks public comment on export control list covering AI

Why it matters: Export controls decide which technologies Chinese firms may share with foreign buyers, partners and overseas subsidiaries, so a list covering AI can shape how global companies build products with Chinese technology. China has been expanding its own export control toolkit in recent years, and drafts like this are watched closely by foreign businesses operating in the country.

China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology have jointly issued Announcement No. 48, a draft export control list open for public comment, according to the announcement.

The draft covers three major fields and lists 40 key technologies in total, with artificial intelligence named as one of the priority areas. AI-related technology is explicitly included in the proposed controls and itemised in the list.

The list is still at the consultation stage, and the departments are gathering feedback from across society on its contents. Some coverage has described the proposal as a "China AI ban".

Officials have so far released only the draft list of technologies to be controlled and the arrangements for public comment. No date has been announced for the rules to take effect.