Advertisement
Two Sessions 2024
ChinaDiplomacy

‘Two sessions’ 2024: China urged to ease overseas travel and media rules for academics

  • Peking University professor raises concerns about ‘overly stringent’ restrictions on Chinese scholars and retired officials
  • The international relations expert says allowing more non-governmental exchanges could help Beijing improve its image

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
11
A CPPCC member has called on authorities to loosen restrictions on academics travelling abroad and speaking to the media. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hayley Wongin Beijing
A high-profile Peking University professor has raised concerns over “overly stringent” restrictions on Chinese academics and retired officials who wish to take part in international events or speak to foreign media and diplomats.
Advertisement
In a proposal to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s top advisory body, Jia Qingguo said allowing more non-governmental foreign exchanges could help boost China’s image.
Jia made the proposal this week during the CPPCC’s annual session in Beijing. The proposal was made public on Wednesday by a social media account run by his home institute.
Peking University professor Jia Qingguo, who is also a CPPCC member, has made similar proposals at previous meetings of China’s top advisory body. Photo: Peking University
Peking University professor Jia Qingguo, who is also a CPPCC member, has made similar proposals at previous meetings of China’s top advisory body. Photo: Peking University

He also suggested dropping requirements for regular academics to get prior approval for overseas exchanges.

Keeping records of the activities would be sufficient for academics who are not in a leadership role and do not often handle classified information, according to Jia, who is a member of the CPPCC and former dean of the university’s international relations school.

Chinese scholars generally need to seek approval to attend conferences overseas. It has also become common for universities to require academics to get permission before speaking to media based outside mainland China.

Advertisement

Beijing has tightened restrictions on information and international exchanges in response to what it has described as “increasing risks” of espionage by the United States and its allies.

Advertisement