China warns citizens about Seattle
China’s foreign ministry warned its citizens about security risks traveling to the United States and specifically cautioned against entry via Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport over reports of ‘malicious questioning’ by U.S. border officers. (the-independent.com) The advisory frames the caution as a response to recent border‑processing incidents. (the-independent.com)
China told its citizens on April 16 to avoid entering the United States through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after accusing U.S. border officers of harassing Chinese travelers. (apnews.com) Beijing said about 20 Chinese scholars with valid U.S. visas were stopped at Sea-Tac while traveling to an academic conference, then denied entry after what it called “malicious questioning” and harassment by Customs and Border Protection officers. (seattletimes.com) China’s foreign ministry said travelers heading to the U.S. should “heighten their safety awareness,” make preparations before departure, and stay calm if questioned by American law enforcement officers. NBC News reported that Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to its request for comment. (nbcnews.com) The warning is unusual because it singles out one American airport rather than issuing a broad countrywide alert. Sea-Tac is a major Pacific gateway for flights linking China and the U.S. West Coast. (apnews.com) (cbp.gov) The dispute also lands in a longer fight over Chinese students and researchers entering the United States. China’s embassy in Washington said in April 2024 that a visiting scholar was detained for 22 hours at San Francisco International Airport, had a visa canceled, and was barred from reentering for five years. (us.china-embassy.gov.cn) Chinese officials have kept pressing that point. In July 2025, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the U.S. had repeatedly harassed, interrogated, and in some cases prosecuted Chinese students and scholars under an expanded national-security rationale. (english.scio.gov.cn) U.S. border officers have broad authority to inspect travelers at ports of entry, and a visa does not guarantee admission. Customs and Border Protection says its job is to protect the country while screening people arriving at the border. (cbp.gov 1) (cbp.gov 2) For now, Beijing’s message is narrow and practical: if Chinese citizens are still coming to the United States, don’t come through Seattle. (apnews.com)
