China Restricts AI Model Weight Downloads Overseas, Keeps Online Access Open

According to Financial Times, China's commerce ministry is consulting with companies including Alibaba, ByteDance, and Zhipu on stricter AI export controls, including restrictions on overseas downloads of model weights and cross-border transfers of training data.

Overseas users would still access Chinese AI models online but cannot download weights locally for deployment or modification. Regulators are also exploring limits on advanced chip design transfers to overseas manufacturers or joint development with foreign partners, potentially affecting companies like Huawei, Alibaba, and ByteDance working with partners such as TSMC. The measures may be incorporated into the next revision of China's technology export control catalog.