Can’t leave China? New rules expand Beijing’s power to impose exit bans to plug tech, security leaks

Representational image | A market in Beijing, China | Pixabay

New Delhi: China has introduced a new set of travel regulations that significantly expand the government’s powers to restrict overseas travel, citing national security and technological protection.

The rules, which came into force Tuesday, September 15, allow the authorities to prevent citizens from leaving the country if they are deemed a potential threat to China’s industrial or technological security.

While China is not new to imposing travel restrictions, the latest rules formally link exit bans to technology related offences and national security concerns, offering an insight into Beijing’s growing focus on protecting its strategic industries.

The regulations were first announced by China’s State Council in July and officially took effect this week. They were formulated to “safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests”, the State Council said.

Under the new framework, Chinese citizens can be barred from leaving the country if authorities determine that they have violated export control laws or technological export and import regulations in a way that could endanger China’s industrial or technological security.

The rules also hand authorities the power to impose exit bans on individuals who return to China after committing illegal or criminal acts abroad that are considered harmful to China’s national security or interests. The restrictions can last anywhere between six months to three years.

In addition to the travel ban, authorities can deny travel documents or block departures if anyone has provided false information during the application process.

The rules extend to foreign travellers as well. Anyone found to have submitted false statements or misleading information while applying for a Chinese visa can be denied entry for a period ranging from one to five years.

The move comes at a time when technology has become an important asset and is central to China’s economic ambitions and national security strategy.

Over the past few years, China has been in a deadlock competition with the United States, with both countries focused on advanced technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and high end manufacturing equipment. Washington has also imposed restrictions on China’s access to certain technologies. Meanwhile Beijing has strengthened its own export control system and tightened oversight of sensitive industries.

Against this backdrop, Chinese authorities are placing greater emphasis on preventing technology leakage and protecting sectors they view as strategically important. The new regulations give officials another tool to monitor and control activities that could affect the country’s technological competitiveness. Certain categories of people in China have long faced restrictions. They include senior government officials, military personnel, and executives of state-owned enterprises. People with access to confidential information are often subject to approval requirements before travelling overseas.

In recent years, the restrictions have widened. In 2023, reports indicated that Chinese civil servants and employees of state-linked organisations were facing tighter scrutiny over private foreign travel and overseas contacts as part of a broader campaign against foreign influence.

Foreign governments have also raised concerns about instances in which citizens have been prevented from leaving China during investigations linked to national security. One recent example involved Min Zin, a Myanmar expert and US citizen whom Chinese authorities detained earlier this year over allegations of endangering national security. Washington has criticised the detention, while Beijing maintains that Chinese law was violated.

The new rules have sparked particular concern in Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and Taiwanese people to be Chinese citizens. With the new regulations, Taiwanese officials are worried that the broad language used in the regulations could give the Chinese authorities greater discretion to restrict travel, particularly for Taiwanese professionals working in technology-related sectors.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has specifically pointed to provisions related to export controls and technology management, warning that they could be used against Taiwanese citizens employed in industries that Beijing considers strategically sensitive.

China has rejected those concerns, arguing that the new rules provide clearer legal protections and improve the transparency of border management.

(Edited by Prakhar Agrawal)