China has tightened travel rules for its top AI and chip professionals, reports said on Monday. Spouses and children of some executives now need approval before travelling abroad.

The move follows new exit-and-entry regulations that took effect on September 15. The rules let authorities bar citizens from leaving over technology security concerns.

Bloomberg reported that the family travel curbs extend restrictions that already applied to staff at firms like Alibaba and DeepSeek earlier this year.

Beijing says the rules protect national and industrial security. Critics say they give the state more control over citizens’ movements.

The measures come as the US and China compete fiercely over AI talent. Analysts say the curbs could make it harder for Chinese tech firms to retain top researchers. Tech companies are reviewing their travel policies for staff with family abroad. The rules are part of a wider push to control technology transfers. Universities with Chinese research partners are also watching the rules closely.