This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact The Epoch Times Reprints.

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Chinese Regime
Exclusive

Chinese Officials Vanish Abroad as Beijing Tightens Exit Controls

Disappearances of retired officials and a high-profile defection have triggered sweeping travel restrictions and heightened political anxiety in China.
Google LogoMark Us Preferred on Google
Chinese Officials Vanish Abroad as Beijing Tightens Exit Controls
A Chinese national holds his passport after being stamped to enter Cambodia at a border crossing, in this file photo. Omar Havana/Getty Images
Michael Zhuang
Michael Zhuang
3/19/2026|Updated: 3/19/2026
0:00

A wave of unexplained disappearances among retired Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials who have traveled overseas is prompting the CCP to impose sweeping new restrictions on foreign travel by both current and former regime personnel, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The sources revealed the details to The Epoch Times on the condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisal.

Google LogoMark Us Preferred on Google
Michael Zhuang
Michael Zhuang
Author
Michael Zhuang is a contributor to The Epoch Times with a focus on China-related topics.
Author’s Selected Articles
More Chinese Officials Turning Themselves In Amid Expanding Anti-Corruption Drive
Jun 14, 2026
More Chinese Officials Turning Themselves In Amid Expanding Anti-Corruption Drive
China’s Defense Minister Remains Visible Despite Diminished Status
Jun 13, 2026
China’s Defense Minister Remains Visible Despite Diminished Status
Chinese Province Shuts Down TV and Radio Channels as State Media Struggles for Audiences
Jun 12, 2026
Chinese Province Shuts Down TV and Radio Channels as State Media Struggles for Audiences
Hong Kong SIM Card Rule Tightened as China Expands Control Over Cross-Border Internet Access
Jun 12, 2026
Hong Kong SIM Card Rule Tightened as China Expands Control Over Cross-Border Internet Access
AD
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
Copyright © 2000 - 2026 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.