India, Sept. 16 -- New Chinese border control rules taking effect on Tuesday could ban citizens from leaving the country if they engage in illegal activity that endangers national or industrial security.

The rules, part of a broader overhaul of border regulations, reflect in part heightened Government concern about the export of technology at a time of growing competition with the US in artificial intelligence and other emerging areas. The opening clause of the regulation says it was drawn up to protect national sovereignty, security and development interests.

A citizen engaging in criminal activity overseas that endangers national security could be prohibited from leaving China again for six months to three years from the date of their...