The Chinese Communist Party restricts IT specialists’ travel abroad, fearing defections and information leaks

The Chinese Communist Party has introduced new rules governing foreign travel by people involved in activities deemed “sensitive,” expanding controls over IT specialists, entrepreneurs, officials and banking-sector employees. The measures are officially justified by the need to verify travelers’ identities and the purpose of their trips, but authorities also fear defections, information leaks and Western influence.

The rules come at a time when China is engaged in intense technological competition with the United States. Although the immigration administration says ordinary citizens will not be affected and that tourism, family visits and study will remain possible, the legislation’s terms are considered vague and broadly applicable.

Those affected include entrepreneurs Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao, the founders of artificial intelligence company Manus. The two were barred from leaving the country during an investigation launched after Meta attempted to acquire the company. The transaction was subsequently canceled.

Another example is Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek, who became a national hero after launching a high-performing, low-cost artificial intelligence model. According to reports, he too may have been subject to travel restrictions. In the past, Jack Ma was also subjected to restrictive measures after criticizing the authorities.

These controls are not limited to technology leaders. Officials and employees of state-owned companies or banks often have to surrender their passports and request approval weeks in advance. In some cases, travel is limited to two trips a year and no more than 15 days. The Times reports that such rules are linked both to Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign and to fears that compromising information could leave the country. The restrictions may also reflect diplomatic priorities: some academics were temporarily prohibited from traveling to Japan.