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Families of CEOs, CTOs, and other top executives at strategically important private AI companies are now being told they need Beijing’s permission to travel abroad, according to a Bloomberg report. The latest measures widen existing travel restrictions already imposed on prominent AI professionals at companies including Alibaba and DeepSeek. The report cited people familiar with the matter, who said Chinese government agencies have begun notifying those affected by the expanded restrictions. Chinese government departments have already informed several people that their family members need to obtain clearance before travelling abroad, two people familiar with the matter said. Beijing has previously imposed travel restrictions on personnel considered important to national security, including researchers, nuclear scientists and executives at state-owned companies.
China has expanded overseas travel restrictions for senior professionals working in its artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors. The new measures are also affecting the families of some key executives. The restrictions mean that spouses and children of certain AI and chip executives may need government approval even for short overseas trips. The move is part of Beijing’s broader effort to prevent the outflow of critical technology, information and talent as China seeks to strengthen its position in AI and chipmaking. Members include top startup founders and executives at companies operating in strategically important AI-related sectors. The new requirements do not amount to an outright travel ban. However, certain senior AI and semiconductor professionals and their immediate family members now need approval before travelling overseas. It remains unclear whether the requirement applies to the families of all professionals covered by the broader restrictions. Their families can also be affected. Much of China’s leading AI talent emerged during the rapid development of generative AI following the launch of ChatGPT. Many of these researchers and engineers work for technology giants and private startups, making them an important part of China’s efforts to develop advanced AI systems and semiconductor technologies.
Bloomberg reported in May that the measures reflected Beijing’s efforts to protect strategically important technology and talent. Beijing’s concerns about losing AI talent and technology intensified following Meta Platforms’ US$2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI startup with Chinese roots. The Chinese government eventually ordered the US company to unwind the deal. However, preventing the transfer of sensitive technology and talent remains an important policy objective for Beijing. China is also enforcing separate rules that took effect on September 15, including exit bans in cases involving criminal investigations and potential violations of the country’s industrial and technological security.
Beijing also moved to restrict US investment in sensitive Chinese technology companies following the fallout. The latest restrictions are not necessarily connected directly to the Manus acquisition, according to Bloomberg. China’s latest measures specifically target private-sector talent, reflecting the strategic importance of AI engineers, researchers, and executives to the country’s technology ambitions. The restrictions aim to reduce the risk of sensitive knowledge and technology leaving the country, particularly as Beijing and Washington compete over advanced AI and chips. China has already restricted overseas travel for senior AI professionals working at private companies including Alibaba and DeepSeek.
The government plans to add more individuals to the list of people subject to the restrictions over time, according to people familiar with the matter. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology did not respond to a request for comment. The broader restrictions could create additional pressure for Chinese AI professionals with international careers, as engineers and researchers may have to consider government approval requirements when travelling abroad. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.