China’s Export Restriction List: Which Technologies Included And Why? – Analytics India Magazine

China has revised its exports restrictions list for the first time in 12 years. Chinas new restrictions on exports include a bunch of deep technologies, including AI, drone, satellite and cybersecurity. Certain technologies will now be subject to export bans or restrictions, meaning they have to be greenlit by the Chinese government for sale overseas.

The new rules, unveiled by Chinas Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology, added many itemsincluding personal information push services based on data analysis and voice-recognition technologies commonly used in smartphones, robots and wearable devicesto the restricted list. Technologies on the list cant be exported without a license from the government.

Chinas Export Prohibited and Restricted Technology Catalog contain various technologies pertaining to artificial intelligence, voice, telecommunications, cybersecurity and cryptography.

Zhao Lijian, Spokesman, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, The main reason behind releasing the catalogue to regulate technology export management is to facilitate technological development, cooperate with foreign companies and to safeguard national economic security.

Telecom

First is the telecommunications and other information transmission services such as those that modify the control points of spatial data transmission technology. It includes telemetry coding and encryption technology (both hardware and software) for information transmission of the satellite navigation system, in addition to circuit design technology used therein.

Artificial Intelligence

Next technologies in the list include those related to artificial intelligence systems. Here are the following prohibitory list items-

Speech synthesis technology: This includes voice signal feature analysis and extraction technology, text feature analysis, speech analysis.

Artificial intelligence interface technology: This includes voice recognition technology, microphone array technology, voice wake-up technology, smart assistants, automated scoring technology for oral expression, pronunciation error detection technology, etc.

Cryptography & Security

Some of the cryptographic and security technologies which are mentioned on the prohibitory list include:

Cryptographic chip design: The list mentions high-speed cryptographic algorithms, parallel encryption, security design for crypto processors, the design and implementation of systems on a chip (SOC) security.

Quantum encryption: Another piece of innovation which is an area of intense global competition is quantum cryptography implementation method, quantum cryptography transmission technology, quantum cryptography code, etc.

Advanced Defence Technologies: This includes the innovation that helps companies defend themselves against potential cyber threats. Following are the technologies specified in the catalogue:

The Trump administration had blacklisted Chinese companies working on AI. Further, the US government urged its companies not to establish tech research units in China. American companies such as Microsoft, Google, and IBM had built research labs in China to hire local AI talent and to keep up with Chinese innovation trends. Now, as the tensions and trade restrictions continue to rise, analysts say this will lead to extreme tech protectionism between global powers, especially when it comes to technologies which could be deployed in defence and combat such as AI, cryptography, quantum computing and cybersecurity.

The US Commerce Department forced new export controls on artificial intelligence software, a mandate to block US companies from transporting AI systems developed in the US due to national security concerns. The Trump administration banned Huawei and TikTok from operating in the US, citing risk to data privacy of citizens.

Still considering further AI software controls, and the Trump administration is increasingly examining how tech companies and consumers from each nation interact with one another.

The new restrictions take the global trade war between the US and China to the next level. The prohibitory list would require technology companies to take permission from the Chinese government before selling specific technologies overseas. Now with the Chinese export restrictions, it is very likely that the US along with western countries which are its close allies are not going to be able to get access to new Chinese innovation in the foreseeable future.

Even social media platforms which are headquartered in China such as TikTok are impacted due to their extensive use of AI-based technologies. TikTok can no longer close its buyout deal once the mandate goes live in a few weeks. The social media company had been in negotiations with tech giants like Microsoft for an acquisition deal.

China has revised its exports restrictions list for the first time in 12 years. Just as video app TikTok tries to find suitors to take over its operations in the US, Australia and New Zealand, Beijing insists the new move is aimed at national economic security.

Chinas new tech export restriction rules not only add uncertainty to the sale of TikToks US operations but also could affect exports of broader consumer tech products such as drones and cellphones.

AI has become a controversial issue for the economic and political rivalry between the US and China over the past few years. The emerging tech is flying ahead swiftly, and there are big economic advantages and strategic benefits to be realised on both sides.

The news can hurt startups working in emerging technologies which may be planning to expand operations overseas. China is home to most startups in AI which have a global presence working alongside US tech companies. Post the export prohibition; the startups will have to reevaluate their expansion plans and make them in line with Chinese interests.

AI has been one of the most active, high-profile and significant sectors that China has witnessed for the past few years. The industry is one where top VCs have invested billions of dollars and has attracted top talents.

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Vishal Chawla is a senior tech journalist at Analytics India Magazine and writes about AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and blockchain. Vishal also hosts AIM's video podcast called Simulated Reality- featuring tech leaders, AI experts, and innovative startups of India. Reach out at vishal.chawla@analyticsindiamag.com

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China's Export Restriction List: Which Technologies Included And Why? - Analytics India Magazine