We are writing to express Amnesty International’s serious concern about the Chinese authorities’ recent use of vaguely defined “national security” grounds to impose de facto exit bans on human rights defenders (HRDs) accused or convicted of such crimes and their family members. We urge the European Union (EU) and its member states to take stronger, coordinated and public action to challenge this practice and to call on the Chinese authorities to ensure that those affected can enjoy freedom of movement, including to depart China, without retaliation.
We are also particularly concerned that these cases arise against the backdrop of a broader expansion and formalization of travel restrictions in China. On 31 July 2026, the Chinese government adopted the Regulation on Exit and Entry Administration, which will enter into force on 15 September 2026. Among other provisions, this new regulation authorizes restrictions on international travel based on broadly defined notions of “national security” and “national interests”, permits restrictions linked to conduct alleged to have taken place outside China, and allows authorities in certain cases not to inform affected individuals of the reasons for travel restrictions. These developments risk further institutionalizing the use of exit bans against HRDs and their family members and embedding them more deeply within China’s broader national security framework.
Recent cases
The case of prominent human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng illustrates this disturbing practice. In April 2023, Yu and his wife Xu Yan were detained while travelling to meet representatives of the EU Delegation in Beijing and were later sentenced to three years and twenty-one months of prison, respectively, on groundless charges of “inciting subversion of state power.” Both also received so-called supplemental sentences of “deprivation of political rights” following their release; Xu Yan’s supplemental sentence expired in April 2026.
Following his release from prison in April 2026, Yu and his family reportedly remain subject to ongoing restrictions and surveillance, a concern expressed in an EU public statement. In June 2026, Yu, his wife Xu Yan and their son were prevented from leaving China on the grounds that they allegedly pose a threat to national security.
In a similar development, renowned artist and United States of America permanent resident Gao Zhen was detained in August 2024 and later charged with the offence of “slandering China’s heroes and martyrs”, apparently in connection with artistic works created years earlier. Although his trial was held in March 2026, Gao is still awaiting his verdict and sentence.
Since his detention, Gao’s wife – a Chinese citizen – has reported that she is subject to a de facto exit ban on alleged national security grounds. As a result, their seven-year-old son – who is a foreign national – has also been unable to leave China and return to his normal place of residence and education. As of August 2026, both remain in Beijing.
A broader pattern of repression
The cases of Yu Wensheng and Gao Zhen are not isolated incidents. They reflect a wider, well-documented pattern of the Chinese authorities using exit bans and other movement restrictions against HRDs and their family members[1], often on vaguely defined national security grounds, and without sufficient transparency or meaningful opportunities for those affected to challenge the restrictions and obtain an effective remedy. In many instances, individuals continue to face restrictions long after completing prison sentences.
EU/China: EU action needed to end China’s exit bans targeting human rights defenders
