TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) warned that China’s new entry and exit rules would strengthen its transnational repression efforts.
Wu said in a post on X that mandatory access to personal digital data, combined with other ambiguous provisions and recent legislation, would provide China with “new legal tools” to enforce transnational repression. “Those who plan to visit China should think twice,” he said.
An accompanying infographic provided more details about the rules:
- Expanded identity and data collection allows authorities to require documents and access to devices and account information.
- Technology and export control considerations can be used as grounds to restrict travel, including cases involving alleged violations of what the Chinese government defines as “industrial or technological security.”
- The “one China” principle has been weaponized, allowing authorities to restrict individuals’ ability to leave the country during investigations into cases deemed to involve national security or major public interests.
- Individuals accused by Chinese authorities of illegal activities overseas could be barred from leaving China for six months to three years after entering the country.
- Authorities are not required to disclose reasons for denying entry or exit in cases deemed sensitive.
- The rules encourage cross-agency information sharing regarding immigration, public security, and other areas.
- Individuals placed on sanctions or surveillance lists may also be denied entry.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said earlier this month that the rules lack clear legal standards and are worded vaguely, allowing them to be enforced unfairly. Chiu said this uncertainty may affect people’s basic right to travel in and out of the country and raise risks for Taiwanese travelers. He urged them to carefully assess those risks before visiting China.
