China approved DeepSeek and MiniMax to deploy their artificial intelligence models overseas, according to a post by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV. The two companies have completed registration procedures and the steps needed to open-source and authorize overseas use of their models
The announcement came days after Beijing proposed export controls on 23 AI-related technologies. The draft rules cover large language models, AI agents, computing clusters and information-processing systems.
What the Approval Covers
Yuyuan Tantian said DeepSeek and MiniMax had finished the required registrations after the new policy was announced. The post described the move as clearance for open-sourcing and overseas licensing of their AI models. The report also said overseas internet users had urged other Chinese open-source large language model developers to follow the same path.
China’s commerce and science and technology ministries released the draft export-control proposal on October 16. It seeks to restrict the overseas transfer of AI tools that Beijing considers important for national security.
The proposal covers the overseas deployment of AI models containing restricted technology. It reflects China’s effort to manage technology transfers amid intensifying competition with the United States. The commerce ministry said most AI technologies would remain exportable, with simplified licensing for open-source technology exports and for Chinese companies running their own computing centers abroad.
Signal for Chinese AI Sector
The clearance suggests Beijing wants leading Chinese AI developers to keep expanding abroad despite new safeguards. DeepSeek and MiniMax are among China’s most prominent AI companies, and their models have gained international attention.
The move may ease concerns that the proposed controls would cut off overseas access to Chinese open-weight models. It also signals that Beijing intends to separate routine commercial deployment from the export of sensitive AI capabilities.
The draft rules remain open for public comment until November 15. Final provisions could still change the compliance burden for Chinese AI developers operating globally.
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