Washington, March 23: A spate of retired Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials who were on foreign trips are disappearing and moving abroad, prompting China to impose strict new restrictions on foreign travel.
The development has caused deep anxiety within the regime. The developments reflect growing fears among the leadership about defections and leaks of sensitive information.
Since the beginning of this year, several mid- and senior-level retired officials have quietly left China and cut all contact with authorities, multiple sources said.
Many of these individuals reportedly already had family members residing in countries such as the United States, Australia and Europe, which made the move easier.
Insiders have revealed that these departures were carefully orchestrated. Officials sold assets, withdrew large portions of their savings, and in some cases, even confiscated pensions before leaving.
These developments suggest a deliberate attempt to escape the growing political uncertainty rather than a routine travel. While not all individuals are under direct investigation, the intensifying anti-corruption campaign and ongoing political purges appear to have created a climate of fear. Officials are increasingly concerned that past actions could be revisited, prompting many to secure their assets and seek safety abroad.
The situation has intensified following the defection of Ma Ruilin, a former senior official associated with the United Front Work Department. After fleeing to the United States, Ma publicly disclosed sensitive information, including details of detention facilities in Xinjiang, and said that discontent with Chinese leader Xi Jinping existed within the party ranks.
In response, authorities have tightened approval procedures for overseas travel. These rules apply particularly to personnel associated with security and intelligence agencies.
Applications for passports and travel will now be subject to stricter scrutiny, including reviews of financial assets, overseas connections and family backgrounds. It has been made clear that officials approving such requests will be held directly responsible if travellers fail to return.