China considers new export curbs on solar, AI, biotech
The draft plan, “Announcement No. 48”, proposes a complete export ban on 14 technologies and restrictions on 26 more, including next-generation solar technologies that could affect countries such as India seeking to reduce dependence on China
On October 16, 2026, China unveiled a draft plan to impose export restrictions on over 40 advanced technologies, including solar manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology platforms. The draft, titled "Announcement No. 48," addresses 40 key technologies, with 14 proposed for full export bans and 26 for restricted exports.
Solar cell manufacturing technologies, particularly next-generation ones, are included in the restricted category, which could affect countries like India aiming to decrease their reliance on Chinese technology imports. AI-driven technologies, such as those capable of generating and mutating malicious code, are also targeted. The Ministry of Commerce and Science and Technology announced the plan, citing the need to safeguard national security and interests amid growing geopolitical concerns.
They emphasized that while most AI technologies would remain freely exportable, certain advanced AI systems were deemed high-risk due to their potential applications in critical infrastructure, defense systems, and national security. China aims to strike a balance between national security and maintaining an open-source AI innovation ecosystem.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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