A Wells Fargo executive was recently barred from leaving China, sparking fresh concerns among foreign businesses operating in the country. While exit bans aren’t new, this high-profile case—involving a major U.S. bank—has amplified worries about the unpredictable legal and regulatory environment foreign firms face in China.

Editor’s Note: Foreign companies already navigating China’s complex rules now have another reason to be uneasy. Exit bans, often used in legal disputes or investigations, can happen with little transparency, leaving executives and investors in the dark. This incident could make global firms think twice about their exposure in China, especially as geopolitical tensions linger.