BEIJING: China has introduced new travel restrictions for its citizens, including exit bans for people considered to pose risks to the country’s industrial or technological security.
Under the rules, which came into effect on Tuesday after being issued in July, Chinese citizens who violate regulations governing technology imports and exports may be prohibited from leaving the country, the State Council said.
Those involved in illegal activities overseas may also be barred from leaving China for between six months and three years after returning to the country.
The State Council said the measures were formulated to safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests.
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The new rules come as China and the United States continue to compete in advanced technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence. Both countries have in recent months accused each other of seeking to obtain capabilities developed by the other side. Analysts, however, said the new regulations give authorities broad scope to impose travel restrictions.
According to Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore, the terms relating to security and criminal activities could be interpreted broadly and adjusted according to circumstances.
