China encourages reporting dual nationality to fight corruption

(ECNS) – China will accept public whistle-blowing on dual nationalities as part of its anti-corruption campaign.

Those who hold double nationalities, once discovered by the Customs, will be stopped from exiting the Chinese border until they revoke their Chinese nationality.

In July, the Ministry of Public Security announced a program to encourage tips on those who hold double nationalities, which is illegal in China.

Although legalizing dual citizenships has been called for by some people to improve convenience, it creates a leeway for corrupt officials to escape punishment, experts said.

Professor Dai Peng from China's Public Security University said corrupt officials could shift their illegal assets overseas, or just run away when their graft is uncovered.

Many people, after taking up other countries' citizenship, keep their Chinese nationality to receive China's social security, education, medical care and other conveniences.

It can be hard for the government to detect these cases as people would conceal their nationality status. Dai said encouraging whistle-blowing could help reinforce the ban on dual citizenships.