CNN - Analyst gives comment on China

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Multinational companies seek guidance on matters of detention risk mitigation, and response protocol.

CNN has published an article on risks associated with travel and safety, when considering business in China. Our risk intelligence lead, Ian BETTS, gave leadership comment on Thomas Nunlist’s input.

“The risk of arbitrary detention has been a cause of concern for multinational clients and other designations in China for more than a year. In this article our Senior Analyst for China, Thomas Nunlist, gives his view on the risks.”

Below is an extract of Thomas’ input on the CNN article produced by Jenni MARSH:

Thomas Nunlist, a risk analyst at Hill & Associates, says he has seen an increase in demand from multinational companies seeking guidance on matters of detention risk mitigation, and response protocol, in China in recent years.

Nunlist says for the average business person, traveller or student the "risk of detention is low." However, he adds that a number of factors increase the risk of being detained in China, including holding dual citizenship, having a government background or being politically connected, or involvement in "sensitive activity."

Between 2009 and 2020, more than 50 cases involving foreigners detained in police custody or prevented from leaving China have appeared in media reports, according to Nunlist. Of those, 28 were involved in what his firm deemed to be "sensitive activity." "Some activities, such as involvement with North Korea or work in human rights advocacy, were clearly sensitive; others, such as conducting geological or historical research, were less obviously politically sensitive," he says.

Others cases included foreigners taking drugs in China, where dealing narcotics can still result in capital punishment, while a handful involved being approached and questioned. Three Canadians have been sentenced to death on narcotics charges since relations between Ottawa and Beijing soured, although China denies politics affect the sentences.

He then went on to give further comment:

Nunlist says exit bans are not uncommon in cases involving business disputes. "It is crucial that companies understand the circumstances when an exit ban may be applied, such as during a significant business dispute, as exposure can sometimes be avoided," he says.

*The full article can be found at CNN