China Tightens Overseas Travel Curbs on AI Talent at Firms like Alibaba, DeepSeek

China has implemented stricter overseas travel restrictions for top AI professionals working in private companies like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and DeepSeek. This move signals an escalation in efforts to protect Chinese technology and narrow the technology gap with the US. Government agencies are now requiring approval from relevant authorities for individuals engaged in advanced AI work deemed strategically important to the nation. These restrictions are not limited to state-owned enterprises but are extended to private firms, reflecting the government’s focus on safeguarding critical talent within the AI sector. The list of professionals subject to these restrictions includes a mix…