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China's new exit-entry rules spark 'lockdown' fears as passport applications denied

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • China's State Council issued new regulations on exit and entry management, which critics are calling a "lockdown" policy.
  • The new rules, set to take effect September 15, have already led to numerous reports of Chinese citizens being denied passport applications without clear reasons.
  • The regulations have caused distress among many Chinese citizens who are unable to obtain passports.

New regulations on exit and entry management issued by China's State Council have sparked widespread concern and criticism, with many dubbing the measures a de facto "lockdown." The regulations, officially titled "Regulations on Exit-Entry Administration," are scheduled to take effect on September 15. However, even before their formal implementation, numerous Chinese citizens have reported being unable to apply for or obtain passports.

Online applications for passports have been repeatedly rejected without clear explanations, leaving many citizens frustrated and distressed. Critics and anti-communist commentators have derided the new rules as an attempt to restrict outbound travel and tighten state control over citizens' movement.

The perceived tightening of exit policies comes amid broader concerns about China's international engagement and the state's increasing control over various aspects of citizens' lives. The new regulations are expected to significantly impact international travel for Chinese nationals.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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