China Imposes Travel Curbs On Citizens Deemed Threats To National Security
China has implemented new exit-and-entry rules that allow authorities to bar citizens from leaving the country if they are deemed a threat to national technology or industrial security. These regulations also impose stricter penalties on foreign nationals for providing false information in visa applications.
Why it matters
The tightening of travel restrictions reflects Beijing's increasing focus on national security and its efforts to control the flow of sensitive information and personnel.
China tightened travel curbs on Tuesday as new exit-and-entry rules took effect, barring citizens deemed a potential threat to national technology security from leaving the country.Chinese are generally free to travel, unlike during the height of the Cold War when few were able to venture overseas, but the government has long kept close watch on the travel plans of those it considers could present a security risk.China unveiled the new rules in July, saying they targeted violations of export controls or technology import and export rules in a way that may endanger industrial or technological security.The rules provide for an exit ban ranging from six months to three years on citizens who return to China after committing illegal or criminal acts abroad that harm national security or interests.Foreign nationals may also be denied entry for one to five years for false statements made in visa applications.Curbs on personal foreign travel…
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