China strengthens immigration regulations... Electronic data submission may be requested

(Beijing = Yonhap News) Correspondent Jong-gu Han = China has implemented strengthened immigration control regulations for reasons such as industrial and technological security, starting from the 15th.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, China began enforcing the 'State Council Immigration Management Regulations' on this day, which allows authorities to request the submission of not only documents and data but also 'electronic data' in the process of verifying the identity of the person entering the country and the reason for his/her entry/exit/stay.

Article 3 of the new regulations states that immigration authorities may inquire about relevant circumstances and request the submission of information such as documents, data, and electronic data.

However, there was no separate explanation as to what information the electronic data specifically meant.

Immigrants must cooperate with the authorities' requests, and if they submit false information or make false statements, they may refuse to issue an immigration certificate or be denied entry or departure.

The reasons for restricting national citizens from leaving the country were also specified.

Chinese people who have been issued immigration documents illegally or who have been placed under administrative detention for illegal immigration may be restricted from leaving the country for 6 months to 3 years after the punishment ends.

In particular, if it is determined that there is a risk of threatening China's industrial or technological security by violating export control or technology import and export management regulations, the relevant authorities may block departure.

When China promulgated the relevant regulations last July, it explained that it was a measure to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of people entering and leaving the country while protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

In Taiwan, voices raised caution, saying that with the implementation of the new regulations, information stored on mobile phones or computers of Taiwanese people visiting China may be exposed or their departure may be restricted.

Seon Yu-jung, vice-chairman of the Taiwan Mainland Committee, argued in a debate the previous day that there is a possibility that information stored on mobile phones or computers may be included in the request for submission of electronic data, and that there is a risk of exposure of corporate technical and commercial secrets or personal political remarks.

He said, “Taiwanese companies operating in China and those working in the semiconductor and high-tech fields should especially carefully consider the need to visit China.”

However, the Taiwanese government decided to maintain the China travel advisory at the current level.

Deputy Director Sun said, "At this stage, there are no plans to raise the travel alert," but added, "We will maintain the current response measures until the uncertainty surrounding visiting China is reduced."

He added that the ban on Taiwanese group tours to China will not be lifted for the time being.

In Taiwan, it is believed that this measure is likely to apply to Taiwanese people as well, given that China defines Taiwanese residents as 'Chinese citizens residing in Taiwan'.

However, Chinese authorities did not specifically explain how this rule applies to Taiwanese people.