DeepSeek and MiniMax Clear China’s AI Export Rules
DeepSeek and MiniMax have successfully completed China's official AI export registration filings under new temporary regulations. This clearance grants both companies regulatory approval to continue open-sourcing models and operating internationally. This development ensures that prominent Chinese AI labs can legally maintain global operations and release future model updates internationally. It removes regulatory uncertainty for the broader open-source AI ecosystem that relies on these models. The companies submitted their technologies for cross-border review to fulfill administrative requirements established by China's Ministry of Commerce. This clearance secures authorized international commercial partnerships and permits the ongoing sharing of model weights.
## BACKGROUND
China's AI export controls are regulations designed to restrict or monitor the overseas transfer of advanced AI models, algorithms, and technologies. Open-weight models provide the final model parameters, allowing developers worldwide to run and fine-tune them locally.