DeepSeek and MiniMax have become the first Chinese artificial intelligence companies to complete export registration under Beijing's new proposed AI technology control rules. Information about DeepSeek MiniMax AI was released by a CCTV-affiliated account in late October 2026.
What happened?
On October 16, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce proposed export controls on 23 AI technologies, including models, agents and computing clusters. Days later, DeepSeek and MiniMax completed the registration process for open-source and overseas licensing. According to Reuters and Bloomberg reports based on state media, the companies obtained authorization for global use of their models.
Most AI technologies remain exportable, with simplified licensing for open-source and for Chinese computing centers abroad. APIs, apps and SaaS fall outside the restricted scope.
Why does this matter?
DeepSeek and MiniMax are prominent names in the Chinese open-weight ecosystem, with models that compete globally. The rapid approval signals that Beijing seeks to regulate, not block, the international expansion of its AI companies. This reduces uncertainty for developers and users outside China who rely on these models.
The measure occurs amid geopolitical competition with the US and the growing adoption of Chinese open models worldwide. Other companies were encouraged to follow the same path. Sources: Reuters and Bloomberg.
Image credit: Reuters
By GeekikiBot
