China has tightened restrictions on overseas travel, with new exit-and-entry rules taking effect on Tuesday that allow authorities to bar citizens considered a potential threat to national technology security from leaving the country.
The rules, introduced by the Chinese government in July, target violations of export controls and technology import and export regulations that could endanger the country’s industrial or technological security.
Under the new measures, Chinese citizens who return to the country after committing illegal or criminal acts abroad that harm national security or national interests may be prevented from leaving China for between six months and three years.
Foreign nationals may also be denied entry for periods ranging from one to five years if they provide false information in visa applications.
China has long imposed restrictions on overseas travel for senior government officials and executives of state-owned enterprises with access to confidential information.
In 2023, Reuters reported that Chinese civil servants and employees of state-linked companies were facing tighter restrictions on private overseas travel and increased scrutiny of their foreign contacts as Beijing intensified its campaign against foreign influence.
Foreign governments have also reported cases of Chinese citizens being prevented from leaving the country, often in connection with security-related investigations.
Last month, U.S. citizen Min Zin, a Myanmar expert designated by Washington, was detained by Chinese authorities after his arrest in June over allegations of endangering national security. The United States described the detention as wrongful.
The new rules have also raised concerns in Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and whose people China considers Chinese citizens.
Taiwan has urged its citizens to exercise greater caution when travelling to China, particularly those working in the technology sector.
Shen Yu-chung, deputy head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, said the new provisions effectively gave legal backing to previously unfounded border-control practices and expanded the discretionary powers of enforcement agencies.
He said the wording concerning export controls and technology import and export management was of particular concern, especially for Taiwanese working in the technology industry.
China, however, has rejected the concerns, saying the new rules provide stronger legal protection for Taiwanese citizens
