China eases export curbs, allowing DeepSeek and MiniMax to sell abroad
China has loosened proposed export controls for two AI companies, DeepSeek and MiniMax, allowing them to keep selling their products abroad. The decision supports Beijing’s aim of building technology export industries while retaining the option to restrict AI that it considers strategically important.
The revised catalogue adds 23 restricted technologies related to large language models, intelligent agents, computing clusters and information processing; companies need export licences, while open-source technology is exempt. The article also describes setbacks for Australian data centre firms: Firmus cancelled a planned IPO targeting about $5 billion, and NEXTDC cut revenue forecasts after opposition halted power infrastructure work, sending its share price down almost 40 per cent.
In short
- China permits DeepSeek and MiniMax to continue exports.
- 23 AI-related technologies now require export licences.
- Australian data centre plans face investor and power hurdles.
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The case for
Allowing DeepSeek and MiniMax to sell abroad supports China’s ambition to build globally competitive technology businesses and earn returns from domestic AI development. Exempting open-source technology also preserves a route for wider collaboration, while export licences let the government distinguish between products it considers safe to commercialise and strategically sensitive capabilities.
The case against
Keeping AI exports subject to licensing gives the state broad discretion to limit access to technologies that could strengthen overseas competitors or have strategic uses. Critics may argue that uncertainty over which systems will be restricted could deter foreign customers and partners, and that selective controls risk making China’s technology exports less predictable even as Beijing seeks to expand them.
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Originally published by The Register as “After threatening AI export bans, China allows DeepSeek to keep selling”.