China now requires top AI researchers at companies like Alibaba and DeepSeek to obtain official permission before traveling overseas

Government authorities are requiring people working on strategically important AI projects at private companies to get official permission before leaving the country, according to Bloomberg News.

The move follows a March 2025 advisory in which Beijing reportedly cautioned AI executives against traveling to the U.S. over concerns about data leaks, technology theft, and talent poaching.

China is shielding its AI industry—both software and hardware—and reducing reliance on foreign technology; Chinese chip makers now hold 41 percent of the domestic AI accelerator market, according to IDC. The government also blocked Meta's acquisition of agent startup Manus AI.