28th September 2026 – (Beijing) China has broadened its overseas travel controls for leading artificial intelligence professionals at private companies, extending the curbs to their immediate family members. According to Bloomberg reporting cited by local media, founders and senior executives at strategically important AI and chip firms have begun receiving notices that spouses and children will now require official approval to leave the country, even for short trips.
The move follows the State Council’s new regulation on exit and entry administration that came into force on 15th September, which enables restrictions on individuals deemed risks to state industrial and technological security. Authorities plan to add more names over time, and several affected figures have been told that their families’ travel must be cleared in advance.
Beijing’s tightening stance comes amid heightened sensitivity over technology leakage after Meta’s US$2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI startup with Chinese roots, drew sustained scrutiny from Chinese regulators and was ultimately ordered unwound. Officials have since moved to further limit US investment in sensitive technology sectors.