The United States has updated its travel advisory for China, warning Americans that they could face arbitrary detention, exit bans or other restrictions over private communications and activities while in the country.
The advisory, issued on September 4, maintained mainland China at Level 2, urging Americans to exercise increased caution and advising visitors to “keep a low profile.”
The US State Department cited arbitrary enforcement of Chinese laws, unjust arrest or detention and exit bans that may be imposed without fair or transparent legal processes.
It warned that US citizens may only discover they are subject to an exit ban when attempting to leave China, with limited or no legal avenues to challenge the restriction.
According to the advisory, Chinese authorities have used exit bans to compel individuals to cooperate with investigations, settle civil disputes, pressure relatives or associates to return to China and gain leverage over foreign governments.
The department also raised concerns about electronic communications, warning Americans to assume that Chinese security services can access emails, text messages and social media posts sent to or from China.
Americans could reportedly face detention or deportation over private electronic messages critical of China, Hong Kong, Macau or the Chinese Communist Party.
The advisory also cautioned that Chinese authorities may access messages sent through Chinese apps even when users are outside China.
Foreign teachers and students could also face detention or deportation for expressing views considered contrary to the Communist Party’s position, the department warned.
Business executives, academics, journalists and people with current or former links to the US government have faced questioning, detention or expulsion under China’s national security laws, according to the advisory.
Americans of Chinese heritage may also face additional scrutiny.
The State Department advised travellers to enter China with a valid US passport and Chinese visa, avoid demonstrations and exercise caution around large gatherings. It also recommended enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
The advisory further warned that China strictly regulates religious activities involving foreigners and that unauthorised religious services, distribution of religious materials or attempts to convert Chinese citizens could result in fines, detention or deportation.
Travellers may also be required to provide blood, urine or hair samples for drug testing. A positive result could lead to detention, fines, deportation or a ban on returning to China, even where the substance was legally used in another country.
Meanwhile, Macau remains under a higher Level 3 “Reconsider Travel”advisory because of concerns over limited US emergency consular assistance and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Hong Kong remains at Level 2, with the State Department similarly citing concerns over arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
(NTD)
