China is set to introduce stricter controls on the movement of people, capital and strategic technologies from September 15 as Beijing steps up efforts to protect its industrial and technological security.
Under the revised exit-and-entry rules, authorities will have greater powers to restrict Chinese citizens from leaving the country if their departure is considered a threat to national technological interests. The move is part of China's broader efforts to prevent the overseas transfer of sensitive technology, expertise and talent.
The new rules come amid growing concerns in Beijing over the loss of advanced technologies and skilled professionals to overseas markets. One recent example was the government's intervention in Meta's proposed $2 billion acquisition of Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus, which Chinese authorities reportedly blocked on national security grounds.
Under the amended regulations, Chinese nationals found violating technology import or export controls could face restrictions on leaving the country as authorities seek to protect strategic industrial and technological assets.
People who commit offences abroad that are considered harmful to China's security or interests could also face exit restrictions lasting between six months and three years after returning to the country.
is also tightening scrutiny of capital outflows and transfers of strategic assets. China has maintained an annual foreign-exchange purchase limit of $50,000 per individual and has recently increased checks on overseas investments amid growing demand among Chinese investors for foreign assets.
The tighter controls come as China's overseas financial flows continue to expand. In 2025, Chinese companies and investors accumulated large amounts of foreign assets, supported by the country's record trade surplus.
trade surplus reached around $1.2 trillion last year, contributing to increased capital flows into overseas securities and investments.
Further restrictions were introduced by China's State Council in June covering the overseas transfer of technology, data and know-how through outbound investments. Violations can attract penalties including fines, visa restrictions and blacklisting from certain industries.
The latest measures highlight Beijing's growing focus on preventing sensitive technologies, capital and expertise from moving overseas as it seeks to strengthen national industrial and technological security.
