US-China Competition Intensifies; China Restricts AI Talent Travel

As technological competition between the US and China intensifies, Beijing is viewing AI talent as a strategic asset. Sources say China has expanded exit controls on top AI professionals, requiring researchers and executives at private firms like Alibaba and DeepSeek to obtain official approval before traveling abroad. The scope of the restrictions is based on their 'importance to the nation' rather than just their position. Previously focused on state-owned enterprises, the policy now targets private AI talent, raising concerns about the negative impact on US-China academic and business exchanges.