China Restricts Overseas Travel for Top AI Researchers at Private Companies
China has begun requiring government approval for overseas travel by senior AI researchers at private firms including Alibaba and DeepSeek, according to people familiar with the restrictions. The measure targets individuals working on advanced AI systems deemed strategically important to the country.
Government agencies have imposed the travel controls without public announcement. Affected researchers must obtain authorization from relevant authorities before leaving China, the people said.
The restrictions signal an escalation in Beijing's efforts to prevent the exodus of AI talent and protect domestic technology development. China has long sought to narrow its gap with the US in artificial intelligence capabilities.
Previous restrictions have targeted academic researchers and state-owned enterprises. Extending controls to private sector employees marks a broader approach to safeguarding what officials view as critical technology.
The move reflects growing competition between the US and China over AI development and the talent required to advance it. Both countries have implemented policies to retain researchers and limit knowledge transfer abroad.
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