Former Anta CEO Moves to US Weeks Before China’s New Exit Rules Take Effect

On Aug. 18, former Anta CEO Xu Yang announced that he had decided to move to Los Angeles with his family. But it was the timing of his announcement that drew attention as Xu disclosed the move on social media while already en route to the United States from Hong Kong.

Xu, who resigned from the Chinese sportswear giant in July after roughly two decades with the company, said in a WeChat Moments post that he had left Anta because his family would be studying abroad and that he would accompany them in relocating to Los Angeles. WeChat is a popular blogging and social media app used by millions of people in China.

“I didn’t arrange a single farewell because of the guilt I feel for having let down people’s trust, and a vulnerability I didn’t want others to see,” said Xu, “I hope everyone will be well!” His WeChat location showed Hong Kong International Airport, while flight information he shared indicated that his plane had been in the air for approximately an hour and was already en route to the United States.

The timing quickly attracted attention and concern on Chinese social media, especially as Beijing prepares to implement new exit-entry regulations on Sept. 15.

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A hasty departure

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Xu spent approximately 20 years at Anta. In 2019, he became general manager for Greater China at Arc’teryx, which is controlled by an Anta-led consortium, helping oversee the outdoor brand’s expansion in the Chinese market. He then stepped down from the role in July citing “personal family reasons.” Anta said at the time that Xu would have “another appointment” following his departure.

His decision to then relocate to the United States shortly after his resignation has prompted chatter among Chinese netizens. “The big shots only dare respond once they’re already on the plane,” one commenter wrote, while another noted, “Smart people run fast. If you wait until you hear the warning shot, it’ll be too late.”

Others questioned how Xu had managed to leave the country with his entire family amid growing concerns over outbound travel restrictions. Xu, however, has given no indication that China’s forthcoming regulations played any role in his decision to leave and relocate to the United States.

New exit rules fuel anxiety

The speculation comes as China prepares to implement new exit-entry regulations. According to regulations announced by China’s State Council on July 31, Chinese citizens deemed capable of endangering national industrial or technological security may be prohibited from leaving the country beginning Sept. 15. Overseas Chinese returning to China could also face exit restrictions lasting from six months to three years if authorities determine that national security or interests are at stake.

The expanded rules have fueled concerns over Beijing’s already extensive ability to restrict citizens from traveling abroad. Such controls predate the new regulations. Chinese civil servants and employees of state-linked enterprises have faced increasingly stringent restrictions on private overseas travel, while teachers and other public-sector workers have reportedly been required to surrender their passports or obtain permission before traveling abroad.