China lifts export controls on AI technologies, allows open-source and overseas use

On October 16, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology released a draft update to the 'Directory of Prohibited and Restricted Export Technologies,' which includes 23 AI-related technologies such as large models, intelligent agents, and computing clusters. The draft excludes technologies already in the public domain through open-source or academic publications. Central Television's Zyu Yuan Tan Tian reported that DeepSeek and MiniMax have completed registration and are now using open-source and overseas licensing. The policy aims to ensure AI safety, encourage open collaboration, and support global AI cooperation. The updated directory will regulate specific AI technologies but allow most to be freely exported. Overseas deployment of AI models, if done in controlled environments, may qualify for automatic licensing. The government emphasizes cooperation with global partners to address AI risks and promote sustainable development.