Chinese AI experts in private firms now required to secure approval before international travel — Beijing expands measures beyond government to retain top-tier talent

China has expanded outbound travel controls to include some AI workers at private firms, startup founders, and employees at state-owned companies.

The new rules require prior approval before international travel, going beyond earlier restrictions that mainly covered government-linked institutions.

Beijing appears focused on protecting strategic AI talent and limiting technology transfer or leakage overseas.

The policy may strengthen state control over a key industry, but it could also make cross-border collaboration and return migration harder.