Beijing
China on Tuesday implemented new exit-and-entry rules that allow authorities to restrict citizens from leaving the country if they are considered a potential threat to national technology and industrial security.
The measures, unveiled in July, target violations of export controls and technology import and export regulations that authorities believe could endanger China’s national interests or technological security.
Under the new rules, Chinese citizens who return home after committing illegal or criminal acts overseas that harm national security or interests can face an exit ban lasting between six months and three years. The regulations also allow foreign nationals to be denied entry for one to five years if they provide false information in visa applications.
China has historically imposed foreign travel restrictions on senior government officials and executives of state-linked companies who have access to confidential information. In recent years, Beijing has also expanded scrutiny of private foreign travel and overseas connections among civil servants and employees of state-owned enterprises.
Foreign governments have reported cases of people being prevented from leaving China while facing security-related investigations. The broader restrictions have raised concerns among governments and businesses about how Beijing could use national security provisions to control international movement.
Taiwan has urged its citizens to exercise additional caution when travelling to China, particularly those working in the technology sector. Taipei has expressed concern that the new references to export controls and technology management could give authorities greater discretion over exit restrictions.
Taiwanese officials said the rules could formalise previously unclear border-control practices. Beijing has rejected those concerns, arguing that the regulations strengthen legal protections for Taiwanese people.
China’s position
Beijing says the rules provide stronger legal protection for Taiwanese citizens and are aimed at safeguarding national technological and industrial security.