August 13, 2026 | 09:13 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Taiwanese travelers could face greater uncertainty when traveling to China after Beijing introduced new regulations that expand government powers to restrict cross-border movement, an analyst said.
As reported by Taipei Times, China's State Council has issued a 19-part set of exit and entry regulations that will take effect on Sept. 15, broadening the scope of government oversight to cross-border activities involving people, technology, information and social networks.
The regulations were introduced as a framework to regulate exit and entry management, protect legitimate rights and interests, and safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests.
Hung Pu-chao (), deputy head of Tunghai University's Center for Mainland China and Regional Development Research, said the rules reflect a broader approach to national security that extends beyond traditional border controls.
"The regulations establish a comprehensive framework for managing cross-border activities," Hung said.
What Do China's New Border Rules Cover?
Under the new regulations, Chinese immigration authorities can advise citizens against traveling to countries or regions designated by the government as high-risk.
Travelers must provide truthful and lawful reasons for leaving China. Authorities can also question travelers about their stated purpose and inspect electronic data stored on mobile phones, according to the regulations.
Provincial governments will also have the authority to bar Chinese citizens from leaving the country for up to three years after their return if authorities determine that they engaged overseas in activities deemed harmful to China's national security or interests.
People who violate export controls or technology trade regulations and are considered potential threats to China's industrial or technological security could also face exit bans imposed by government agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce.
The regulations also extend oversight to intermediary services involving overseas study, immigration and visa applications.
Why Do the New Rules Matter to Taiwanese Travelers?
Hung said the regulations could have a particularly significant impact on Taiwanese people traveling to or engaging in exchanges with China because of the increased uncertainty surrounding their enforcement.
The rules give authorities broader administrative discretion, while some provisions do not clearly define the circumstances that could trigger government intervention, he said.
As a result, travelers may find it difficult to determine in advance whether certain activities could lead to scrutiny or restrictions by different government agencies.
"The biggest impact for Taiwanese is the increase in unpredictable risks associated with travel to and exchanges with China," Hung said.
He warned that Taiwanese people already in China could potentially face enforcement measures or restrictions on leaving the country.
For those who need to travel to China for work, study or other purposes, Hung advised them to be prepared for possible legal risks.
How Does China Link Cross-Border Activities to National Security?
Hung said the regulations demonstrate a preventive approach to national security, in which authorities seek to identify potential risks before they develop into larger threats.
He referred to the Chinese Communist Party's belief that "a single spark can start a prairie fire" to explain the thinking behind the broader controls.
Under Article 3, travelers must verify their reasons for leaving China and provide relevant documents, information and electronic data, Hung said.
Article 4 identifies national security, industrial security and technological security as grounds for restricting exits.
From Article 7 onward, the regulations also bring intermediary services related to overseas education, immigration and visas under government oversight.
Taken together, Hung said, the provisions create a legal framework that allows authorities to monitor and regulate a wide range of cross-border activities.
What Should Taiwanese Travelers Know?
The new rules do not mean that every Taiwanese traveler will automatically face an exit restriction. However, Hung said the broader powers granted to Chinese authorities make the potential risks harder to predict.
He urged Taiwanese people to avoid traveling to China where possible.
Those who need to travel for employment, education or other essential purposes should understand that activities beyond conventional immigration matters could potentially come under scrutiny, particularly when national, industrial or technological security is involved.
The regulations are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 15, when the expanded framework for China's exit and entry controls will come into force.
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