China Restricts Exports of Solar and Biomedical Technologies

The Ministry of Commerce of China announced a broad revision of its export-control list on Friday, October 16, 2026, targeting 40 key technologies including artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. As part of this initiative, the ministry will restrict the export of 12 solar-related technologies and core equipment to protect national security and maintain a competitive edge as the United States and India expand their own domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Simultaneously, the ministry proposed adding five biomedical technologies to the control list, specifically targeting two medical technology platforms used for genetic-level disease treatment. To protect its status as a pharmaceutical powerhouse, the government explicitly excluded licensing agreements, partnerships, and contract research services from these restrictions. This allows China to continue collaborating with foreign drugmakers while tightening the physical export of the biotechnology tools themselves.