China is reportedly requiring some senior AI workers at private firms including Alibaba and DeepSeek to obtain approval before traveling abroad, tightening state control over the technology sector. The restrictions apply to startup founders, researchers, and executives considered important to China's AI ambitions, based on their strategic value rather than seniority or employer, according to a Bloomberg report. Questions remain over how many workers are affected, which roles qualify, and how broadly the curbs apply. This follows other signs of tighter state control, such as Beijing ordering Meta to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI startup originally from China. China has also moved to reduce reliance on U.S. AI chips, pushing domestic firms toward Huawei. Meanwhile, a reverse brain drain of Chinese scientists and engineers in AI and semiconductors has accelerated. Joshua Chu, a lawyer and co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association, told Decrypt that these controls treat passports and conference schedules as 'national security variables,' blurring the line between private enterprise and the state. He noted that the logic of keeping human capital 'in' is starting to win over the free flow of ideas and people.

Key facts

• China reportedly requires senior AI workers at private firms to get approval before overseas travel.
• Restrictions apply based on strategic value, not seniority or employer.
• Bloomberg report cites Alibaba and DeepSeek as affected companies.
• Follows Meta's unwinding of Manus acquisition and chip restrictions.
• Experts say travel controls treat human capital as national security variable.

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