dailyloe.com – China has issued a travel warning for its citizens entering the United States through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The warning follows an incident involving a group of Chinese scholars who were denied entry. Chinese officials issued the warning on Thursday morning via the social media platform X. Details from U.S. authorities remain unclear.
China’s consular affairs office stated 20 Chinese scholars with valid visas were recently subjected to questioning. The office described the questioning as ‘unreasonable’ before the scholars were denied entry. The statement also cited repeated incidents at the Seattle airport. It referred to ‘malicious inspections and harassment’ targeting Chinese academics.
Officials urged travelers to familiarize themselves with U.S. entry regulations. They also advised being prepared for additional scrutiny. The South China Morning Post reported the group was traveling to attend a conference. They were stopped by U.S. border officials at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Former Washington Governor Gary Locke commented on the situation. Locke also served as the U.S. ambassador to China. He said the incident raises concerns at a sensitive moment in U.S.-China relations. ‘This really is very puzzling,’ Locke said.
‘It makes no sense and does not set a good tone for upcoming meetings between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping,’ Locke added. Experts said the incident could have broader implications if similar situations continue. Future travel could also be affected, including for major international events.
‘We have the World Cup coming up, and there will be Chinese visitors who want to attend games here and in other parts of the country,’ one expert said. ‘If they’re discouraged from coming, this could have an economic impact, as well as implications for U.S.-China relations.’ U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet responded to requests for comment.[]
Source: KOMO
