China has widened overseas travel-approval requirements for senior AI and chip-industry executives to include their spouses and children, according to new reporting.

The rules reportedly require selected executives’ family members to seek approval before travelling abroad, extending controls that previously applied to the executives themselves. The measures are described as applying to chosen individuals rather than a blanket ban.

The move reflects Beijing’s tightening grip on talent in strategic technology sectors, particularly artificial intelligence and semiconductors, amid intensifying global competition.

Analysts say the policy signals how seriously China treats the risk of talent and know-how flowing overseas. It remains unclear how broadly the family provisions will be applied in practice.

Governments on all sides of the AI race have moved to restrict the movement of sensitive know-how, from US export controls on chips to talent-retention policies in Beijing. Industry watchers say such measures risk chilling international research collaboration even as they aim to protect national advantage.