New rules give extra teeth to efforts to stamp out critical mineral smuggling and leaks of strategically vital technology
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenAlyssa ChenPublished: 9:05pm, 31 Jul 2026Under new regulations, the Chinese government will soon be able to ban citizens from leaving the country if they violate export controls or rules on technology transfers.
The measures were announced by the State Council, China’s cabinet, on Friday and are set to take effect on September 15.
The Ministry of Commerce and other departments can enforce exit bans on citizens if their breaches “endanger national industrial or technological security”, the State Council said.
The regulations also open the door to exit bans for officials found to have sought foreign nationality or residency, as well as Chinese nationals who have committed crimes overseas.
China’s anti-corruption crackdownThe restrictions carry particular weight given that Beijing has placed export controls on an increasing number of items, including critical minerals, rare earths and dual-use goods with both civilian and military applications.
