China has imposed sweeping new travel restrictions on its citizens, including exit bans for people it says may endanger the country’s industrial or technological security.
Under the new rules, citizens who violate technology import and export regulations can be barred from leaving China. The State Council also said people involved in illegal activities abroad may face travel bans ranging from six months to three years after returning to China.
The rules, first released in July and taking effect on Tuesday, are part of Beijing’s effort to protect national sovereignty, security and development interests.
The move comes as China and the United States continue to compete in the technology sector, with both sides accusing each other of stealing artificial intelligence capabilities.
Analysts say the new travel rules give Chinese authorities broad discretion. They warn that the policy’s terms could be interpreted broadly and applied unpredictably.
Experts also pointed to reports of exit bans involving foreign nationals, including US citizen Min Zin, as an example of China’s expanding use of travel restrictions.
Observers say the policy sends a strong message that Beijing will act against any perceived threat to national security or sensitive technology interests.
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