The U.S. State Department updates its travel advisory to China, warning of risks of arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans

The U.S. State Department recently updated its travel warning to China again, maintaining the second level of "should be alert." It specifically reminds U.S. citizens that if they travel to China, they may face risks such as arbitrary Chinese law enforcement, exit bans, and unfair detention. U.S. citizens who enter China with a Taiwan Compatriot Permit will also be regarded as Chinese and their U.S. citizenship will not be recognized.

The Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) of the United States today (10th) issued a message via social media

SPEHA pointed out that American Burmese researcher Min Zin and Chinese-American seismologist Youlin Chen (transliteration) were detained by China during their previous visits to China for academic activities as examples. They called on China to immediately release the two men and emphasized that hostage diplomacy is not allowed in U.S.-China relations.

The travel warning updated by the State Department on the 4th also pointed out that China’s espionage investigations disproportionately target Chinese-American citizens and naturalized Chinese-Americans. Especially those who have been employed by the U.S. government or are associated with the U.S. government.

The travel warning emphasizes that China does not recognize dual nationality. U.S.-Chinese dual nationals, former Chinese citizens, holders of Taiwanese travel documents, and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment when traveling to China. If you enter China with a Taiwan Compatriot Permit, you will be regarded as a Chinese and your U.S. citizenship will not be recognized.

The travel advisory also warns that travelers to China should assume that Chinese security authorities can read emails, text messages, and social media posts sent from or to China. China may detain or deport U.S. citizens for sending private messages criticizing the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party.