The Chinese Communist Party Leader Xi Jinping (nicknamed 'Three Locks' for his lockdowns, censorship, and internet restrictions)'s 'exit ban' is just one of the means to suppress the people.
It is not only a deprivation of individual freedom but also a threat to the freedom of expression for the whole society.
Imagine, when someone is restricted from leaving the country or even risks imprisonment simply for criticizing officials or expressing dissatisfaction, who would dare to speak out?
He has created an oppressive environment in which everyone feels insecure, showing the international community the true nature of the Communist regime.