China clamps down on overseas travel for top AI executives

In a significant move to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) sector, China is implementing stricter controls on international travel for select AI professionals employed by private companies. According to a report by Bloomberg, employees from leading firms like Alibaba and DeepSeek are now required to secure approval from government authorities prior to any overseas trips. These new regulations target individuals deemed crucial to China's AI ambitions, including startup founders, senior researchers, and high-level executives. The Chinese government is reportedly assessing who falls under these travel restrictions based on their importance to national technology priorities, rather than merely their job titles. This development reflects Beijing's increasing oversight of advanced technology sectors, particularly in the face of escalating competition with the United States. Previously, some AI professionals had been asked to share their foreign travel plans, but the latest updates indicate a more rigorous approval process for international travel. The tightening of travel protocols coincides with broader initiatives aimed at enhancing domestic control over essential AI infrastructure and minimizing reliance on foreign technology. For instance, last month, the Chinese government directed Meta to reverse its $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI startup with roots in China that had relocated to Singapore. Moreover, authorities are encouraging local tech companies to prioritize partnerships with domestic chipmakers, such as Huawei, instead of US AI hardware suppliers. Concurrently, Chinese AI firms are attracting increased scrutiny on the global stage. DeepSeek, for example, has faced examination in the US amid national security concerns. In a related trend, media reports indicate a rise in the number of Chinese researchers returning home from abroad, particularly in the AI and semiconductor sectors. Notable returnees include semiconductor expert Da Bo, who had contributed to projects at TSMC’s 3nm facility in Japan, and AI chip researcher Song Yuhang, who recently joined Nanjing University’s School of Artificial Intelligence after studying at Oxford University.