China border rules have tightened, giving authorities new powers to stop some citizens from leaving the country.
The new measures took effect as part of a wider overhaul of China’s entry and exit regulations.
The rules are aimed at protecting national security and China’s industrial and technological interests.
They come as Beijing faces growing competition with the United States in areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
China border rules target security risks
Under the new rules, some Chinese citizens can be stopped from leaving the country.
This can happen if they are involved in illegal activities that threaten national security.
Technology-related violations can also lead to an exit ban.
The rules cover people who violate technology import or export regulations in ways that could harm industrial or technological security.
The government says the measures are designed to protect China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.
Some exit bans can last three years
The new rules also set out how long some travel restrictions can remain in place.
A Chinese citizen who commits illegal or criminal acts abroad that threaten national security could be stopped from leaving China again after returning.
The restriction can last between six months and three years.
The same rules can apply to certain technology-related violations.
This gives border authorities a stronger role in enforcing national security and export controls.
Foreigners also face new restrictions
The changes are not limited to Chinese citizens.
Foreign nationals can also face entry restrictions under certain circumstances.
A foreigner may be denied entry for one to five years if they provide false information on a visa application.
The rules are part of China’s broader effort to strengthen control over who enters and leaves the country.
Technology is at the centre of the changes
The new rules come at a time when technology has become a major part of China’s national security policy.
Beijing has become increasingly concerned about the transfer of sensitive technology overseas.
Artificial intelligence is one of the areas attracting particular attention.
China and the United States are competing for an advantage in advanced technology, making technology exports a sensitive issue.
The new border measures therefore give authorities another tool to protect what they consider strategically important technology.
China says the rules are not aimed at ordinary travellers
Chinese authorities have defended the new measures as a way to tackle illegal activities.
The rules are not presented as a general ban on overseas travel.
Instead, they give authorities powers to restrict people whose activities are considered a threat to national security or industrial interests.
However, the broad language in some provisions has raised concerns about how the powers could be used.
Experts have questioned the level of transparency surrounding some of the restrictions.
The changes mark another step in China’s efforts to strengthen border controls.
They also show how national security and technology policy are becoming increasingly connected to international travel.
Source: Global News
