China Tightens Rules on Citizen Travel Abroad
Summary
China has tightened rules allowing authorities to restrict citizens deemed to have harmed national security or interest from leaving the country for up to three years after returning. Officials say the measures are meant to protect sovereignty and prevent fraud, gambling, and other illegal activity abroad, while critics warn they could expand state control over citizens overseas.
Key Points
- Chinese citizens judged to have affected national security or national interest can be barred from leaving China for up to three years after returning.
- The new rules also cover people involved in activities that threaten industrial or technological security through violations of technology import and export regulations.
- Officials say the policy is meant to protect sovereignty and help prevent fraud, gambling, and other illegal activities abroad.
- Analysts warn the system could give the government broader control over Chinese citizens abroad and rights-related activity.
