Beijing greenlights DeepSeek and MiniMax AI models for global use

China’s DeepSeek and MiniMax (0100.HK) have won state approval for global use of their artificial intelligence models, Reuters reported on Friday, citing a post on Thursday on Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV.

In a separate post on Friday, Yuyuan Tantian said overseas internet users had urged other Chinese open-source large language models to follow suit. Neither DeepSeek nor MiniMax immediately replied to Reuters’ requests for comment.

The approval lands days after Beijing proposed export controls on 23 AI technologies — including models, agents and computing clusters — on 16 October. China’s commerce ministry said then that most AI technologies would remain exportable, with simplified licensing for open-source technology exports and for Chinese companies operating their own computing centres overseas. The proposed controls cover overseas deployment of AI models containing restricted technology, which Beijing describes as limiting the transfer of tools vital to national security amid geopolitical competition with Washington.

It is a striking pivot in the DeepSeek arc: Washington banned the firm’s tools from US government agency IT systems on 20 October, and DeepSeek closed a record $15bn funding round on 22 October. Now Beijing is signalling its flagship models may travel — under state licence.

Sources:

• Reuters, “China’s DeepSeek, MiniMax win approval for AI global use, state media-affiliated entity says” (23 Oct 2026, 06:59 UTC) — https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/chinas-deepseek-minimax-win-approval-ai-global-use-state-media-affiliated-entity-2026-10-23/
• Flip News own coverage: “US bans DeepSeek from government agency IT systems over security fears” (2026-10-20); “DeepSeek closes record $15bn funding round in challenge to US AI labs” (2026-10-22)