[FooBarWidget]

They revoke passports of personnel whom they deem are at risk of being negatively influenced or even kidnapped when abroad. Re influence, think school teachers. Re kidnapping, see Meng Wangzhou (Huawei CFO).

There is a history of important Chinese personnel being kidnapped by e.g. the US when abroad. There is also a lot of talk in western countries about "banning Chinese [all presumed spies/propagandists/agents] from entering". On a good faith basis, one would think China banning people from leaving is a good thing that aligns with western desires, and should thus be applauded. So painting the policy as sinister tells me that the real desire is something entirely different.

[SilverElfin]

You’re twisting the (obvious) truth. These people are being held prisoners because they’re of economic value to the party. And they would probably accept a job and life elsewhere if they weee given enough money. They are not being held prisoners for their own protection.

[FooBarWidget]

Let's just say "things can happen for reasons other than 'the govt is evil'" is not only an opinion that exists, but is also valid. You seem to be severely underestimating just how much of a 9/11 moment Meng Wanzhou is for Chinese. You should talk to more mainlanders. This isn't 20 years ago anymore.

[nylonstrung]

There's literally no evidence this is true. Why does China contribute the most h1-b immigrants to US behind India?

Why do they let so many of their best researchers study at American schools, knowing the majority don't return

[UltraSane]

"There is a history of important Chinese personnel being kidnapped by e.g. the US when abroad"

No there isn't. China revoked their passport to keep them prisoners not to keep them safe.

"On a good faith basis, one would think China banning people from leaving is a good thing"

Why would anyone think imprisoning someone like this is a good thing?

[Duwensatzaj]

> There is a history of important Chinese personnel being kidnapped by e.g. the US when abroad.

Like who? Meng Wanzhou?

[FooBarWidget]

I literally mentioned her in the same post?!

There’s also Xu Yanjun and Su Bin, amongst others.