Australia needs to consider banning the export of sophisticated technologies which could be used by China to boost its military and espionage activities, according to security experts.

The United States government is planning to restrict China's access to certain types of emerging technologies which could include quantum computing, 3D manufacturing and an algorithm that guides artificial intelligence.

The US government is planning to restrict China's access to certain types of emerging technologies, including quantum computing. Credit:AP

John Lee, analyst on China’s foreign and industrial policy, said Australia was "particularly exposed" to the US restrictions and the likely response from China.

In a new policy brief for the China Matters think tank, Mr Lee says Washington is pressuring its allies to join its efforts and Australia needs to respond.