China has implemented new exit regulations starting September 15, allowing the government to restrict citizens' departures if national industrial or technological security is threatened. This has raised alarms in Taiwan.
The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's agency overseeing cross-strait relations, reported that the new regulations could lead to information leaks, hinder business activities, and pose personal safety risks, particularly for Taiwanese business leaders and high-tech personnel.
Given that China considers Taiwan part of its territory, there are concerns that these regulations may also apply to Taiwanese residents traveling to China.
During a symposium in Taipei on the risks and impacts of the Chinese Communist Party's new exit management regulations, Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen Yung-chung stated, "Chinese authorities may require electronic devices to be checked and demand the submission of related documents and electronic materials during identity verification for exit and entry. This could expose corporate trade secrets or personal political statements."
He emphasized that Taiwanese business leaders, executives, semiconductor and high-tech personnel, local government officials, and certain religious figures should carefully assess risks before visiting the mainland. He also advised registering travel information with Taiwanese authorities if necessary.
Li Baowen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Taiwan Strait Exchange Foundation, noted that the risks are related to the type of information held, regardless of one's identity. He urged Taiwanese residents to prepare for risk assessments, information security management, and establishing emergency contact networks before visiting mainland China.
According to the 'Exit and Entry Administration Regulations' effective from today, Chinese citizens may face exit restrictions if they violate export controls or technology export-import regulations that threaten national industrial or technological security.
Notably, the regulations state that in cases affecting national security or criminal investigations, authorities may not inform individuals of the exit restrictions, reasons, basis, or remedies.
Additionally, during the verification process of exit and entry, authorities may require the submission of not only documents and materials but also 'electronic materials.' Exit and entry individuals must comply with these requests, and failure to provide accurate information or making false statements may result in the denial of exit or entry permits.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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