China Expands Travel Restrictions for Top AI Talent in Private Firms

China is intensifying its efforts to protect its technological advancements by imposing travel restrictions on leading AI professionals in private companies like Alibaba Group and DeepSeek. This move signifies a significant step towards narrowing the technology gap with the U.S. Government authorities have initiated these restrictions targeting individuals engaged in cutting-edge AI projects deemed critical for the nation’s advancement. These individuals must now seek approval from the relevant authorities before traveling abroad, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Chinese government has a history of limiting the travel of key personnel across various sectors, including academia, nuclear research, and…