China announced on October 18 that it intends to place 12 solar‑equipment technologies under export‑control regulations, citing national security concerns. The Ministry of Commerce said the move is part of a broader revision that also includes artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The proposed controls would add photovoltaic technologies to the country’s export‑control list, reflecting growing use of solar equipment in sensitive sectors such as aerospace and defense. Officials have begun discussions with manufacturers about possible curbs on advanced solar‑panel production methods, a step that could affect expansion plans by U.S. firms including Tesla. Beijing has previously limited exports of solar‑manufacturing technology to India, a development analysts say is intended to protect China’s market position as India seeks to develop its own domestic capacity. The ministry explained that the restrictions are meant to prevent technologies from being misused or proliferating uncontrollably while preserving legitimate international scientific cooperation. Exporters will be required to register certain overseas technology transfers until the export‑control catalogue is formally updated. Public comment on the proposal will remain open until November 15. Technologies slated for restriction include those used to produce thin wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, and large‑scale fluidized‑bed polysilicon production processes. Perovskite offers higher conversion efficiency, while tandem cells combine perovskite and silicon layers to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight. Fluidized‑bed methods are noted for being less costly and more energy‑efficient than the prevailing Siemens process. China also plans to limit, but not entirely ban, exports of advanced solar‑cell manufacturing technologies such as TOPCon, HJT and XBC.