China May Bar Citizens From Leaving Country Over National Security, Tech Export Violations
New rules allow travel bans linked to national security, technology transfers and cross-border criminal activity while officials say ordinary travellers will not be affected.
BEIJING, Sep 15: China’s new border control regulations came into effect Tuesday, giving authorities the power to prevent citizens from leaving the country in cases involving activities that threaten national or industrial security.
The measures are part of a wider overhaul of China’s border management framework and come amid growing competition with the United States in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. The regulations state that their purpose includes safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Under the new provisions, Chinese citizens who commit criminal acts overseas that endanger national security may be prohibited from leaving the country again for a period ranging from six months to three years after returning.
The rules also cover violations involving the import or export of technology. Citizens whose actions breach technology trade regulations and are deemed to threaten industrial or technological security could face restrictions on overseas travel.
Consultancy Trivium said the provisions highlight Beijing’s increasing efforts to prevent the transfer of strategically important technology and technical expertise.
The regulations follow several recent moves by Chinese authorities aimed at controlling the overseas transfer of advanced technological capabilities. In April, China reportedly blocked technology giant Meta from acquiring artificial intelligence startup Manus, a Singapore based company with Chinese roots, amid concerns over the potential transfer of advanced technology.
The revised border framework also introduces provisions concerning foreign nationals. Authorities may prevent foreigners from entering China for between one and five years if they provide false information during visa applications or at border checkpoints.
At the same time, the regulations seek to address the growing problem of people being deceived into travelling abroad and subsequently forced to take part in illegal gambling or online and telephone scam operations.
China’s Cyberspace Administration has sought to reassure the public that the measures are not intended to restrict routine international travel. In an online statement last week, the agency said the rules are aimed at individuals involved in illegal cross border activities rather than ordinary citizens travelling abroad for legitimate purposes.
