China Clears DeepSeek and MiniMax as First AI Vendors Approved to Open-Source and License Models Overseas

Chinese state media Yuyuan Tantian said DeepSeek and MiniMax have completed registration under the AI technology export rules Beijing launched on October 16, becoming the first vendors cleared to open-source and license models for overseas use. The Ministry of Commerce clarified that API access, web and app interfaces, and already-public open-source releases do not count as regulated exports — effectively giving both labs a green light to continue global deployment while the comment period on the 23-category draft runs through November 15.