China tightens overseas travel bans for top AI researchers and executives

Beijing has expanded travel restrictions aimed at senior AI personnel employed by private‑sector firms. The measures include exit bans, passport confiscations and tighter controls on foreign investment, targeting individuals deemed strategically important for the country's artificial‑intelligence development.

The policy began to take shape in March 2025 with DeepSeek requiring select R&D staff to surrender passports, and by March 2026 it targeted named executives such as Xiao Hong and chief scientist Ji Yichao of the AI startup Manus. The restrictions were imposed amid heightened US‑China technology rivalry and concerns over data leaks, talent poaching and loss of intellectual property.

The National Development and Reform Commission also issued directives in April 2026 prohibiting several AI firms—including Moonshot AI and StepFun—from accepting U.S. investment without prior approval. The actions mirror earlier U.S. export controls, representing a shift from restricting technology imports to limiting the outflow of human capital.