China Warns Citizens Against Travel to US Amid Reports of Harsh Interrogations

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official warning to its citizens regarding what it describes as “malicious interrogations and repeated harassment” of Chinese nationals in the United States. The ministry urged Chinese travelers to exercise heightened caution when visiting the US.

Specifically, the advisory advises Chinese travelers to avoid entering the US via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This warning follows reports from Chinese officials that around 20 Chinese researchers faced “unreasonable” treatment by US customs and border protection agents at the same airport.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these researchers were traveling to the US to attend an academic conference and, despite holding valid US visas, were denied entry into the country.

The statement further mentions that similar cases of strict interrogation and harsh treatment of Chinese researchers have repeatedly occurred at this airport. China’s Foreign Ministry called on its citizens to increase their preparedness and awareness, carefully consider all aspects before traveling to the US, and take necessary precautions.