The ReadJuly 10, 2026via Financial Times Technology
OpenAI and Google sell AI models to blacklisted China groups
Why it matters
Major AI labs are skirting US sanctions on Chinese tech giants by selling models through Singapore subsidiaries—raising urgent questions about export compliance, geopolitical risk, and whether current regulations can actually enforce AI containment.
Key signals
- OpenAI and Google supplying AI services to blacklisted Chinese companies (Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent)
- Transactions routed through Singapore-based subsidiaries to circumvent US export controls
- Potential violation of US sanctions and foreign direct product rules
- Published by Financial Times (credible source)
- Regulatory/compliance implications for AI industry
The hook
OpenAI and Google just became US export control violators. Here's how.
US groups have been supplying AI services to Singapore-based subsidiaries of Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent