According to a representative of Asia Watch in New York, Chinese individuals with pending charges are not allowed to leave China (24 Nov. 1992). The representative indicates that this implies that they are not permitted to apply for passports and that prisoners are not allowed to apply for passports either (Ibid.).
A representative of the Chinese Community Centre in Ottawa states that it is "not possible" for prisoners in China to obtain passports (24 Nov. 1992). They "must be released" first in order to be allowed to apply for passports (Ibid.).
Additional and/or corroborating information on the above subject is currently unavailable to the DIRB.
References

Asia Watch, New York. 24 November 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.

Chinese Community Centre, Ottawa. 24 November 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.