China tightens travel restrictions for citizens

New rules governing travel to and from China have come into effect, a move that observers say will further tighten the government's control over its citizens.Citizens deemed to have "harmed" China's national security or interests while overseas can also be barred from leaving China for up to three years after they return, while those who violate technological import and export regulations may also be banned from leaving.Chinese authorities say the rules are to "safeguard national sovereignty and security" and deny that they restrict the travel of "ordinary citizens". But critics say the new rules could further boost Beijing's ability to exert pressure on its nationals' activities abroad."This is another tool designed to control what Chinese citizens do and say overseas," Professor Tom Kellogg, Executive Director of the Center for Asian Law at Georgetown University, told BBC Chinese. "In some cases, in order to prevent individuals from criticising the Chinese government overseas or to punish their rights advocacy activities, state security authorities directly refuse to issue passports," Kellogg adds.According to the rules taking effect on Tuesday, Chinese citizens may be prohibited from leaving the country if they violate technology import and export regulations that "may endanger national industrial or technological security".Piyao, a Chinese government "rumour-refuting" platform, posted a statement last week saying the new rules "do not restrict the travel of ordinary citizens, but rather serve as a preventative measure against high-risk destinations and individuals with unusual travel patterns".