China Tightens Control Over AI Specialists' Travel from Private Companies

Chinese authorities have introduced new restrictions on overseas travel for professionals working in artificial intelligence. According to Bloomberg, employees of private companies, including startups, must now secure government approval before leaving the country. Previously, such measures applied only to civil servants, scientists, and executives of state-owned enterprises, but now they also cover the commercial sector.

It remains unclear which specific roles and qualification levels fall under the new rules. Sources indicate that the criteria are based not only on job titles but also on the specialist's influence on AI development in China. Previously, engineers were required to notify authorities of travel plans but could travel freely. The process has now become stricter, reflecting Beijing's efforts to maintain control over key technologies and talent.

Experts link the tightening measures to concerns over the leakage of intellectual property and talent to foreign companies. For instance, Meta's recent acquisition of the startup Manus AI raised alarms among Chinese authorities, who attempted to block the deal to prevent Chinese specialists and technologies from moving to the U.S. American tech giants are actively poaching talent, offering multi-million-dollar contracts—Meta reportedly offered one startup founder $1.25 billion over four years.

However, the new restrictions could backfire: Chinese specialists working abroad may refuse to return home, and young engineers might leave earlier to avoid being placed on the controlled list. This could weaken China's position in the global AI leadership race, despite the government's efforts to retain key resources within the country.