China proposes export controls on AI models, agents and computing clusters

China's commerce ministry proposed adding 40 technologies, including 23 AI-related items covering large models, intelligent agents and computing clusters, to its catalogue of technologies prohibited or restricted from export. Public consultation runs until 15 November 2026, with interim pre-export registration already applying. The move tightens state control over transfer of core AI capabilities amid US-China technology competition while exempting API, app and SaaS access.