China to add AI, biopharma and solar tech to export control list

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.