In brief
Following reported harassment by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Chinese government officials are advising their citizens to think twice before entering the U.S. through Seattle. A recent incident involving Chinese scholars highlighted concerns about thorough inspections and refusal of entry at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
SEATTLE (AP) — The Chinese government is advising travelers to steer clear of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, citing ongoing harassment issues involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. This warning follows a recent incident where approximately 20 Chinese scholars with valid visas encountered excessive scrutiny at the airport while en route to an academic conference. In a post on X, the Chinese Consular Affairs office reported that these academics faced 'unreasonable inspections' and were not permitted entrance into the United States.With reports of continuous harassment impacting Chinese travelers, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and embassy officials emphasize safety by recommending citizens reconsider their travel routes and avoid entering the U.S. via Seattle. They are also advised to familiarize themselves with U.S. entry regulations and stay prepared for interactions with CBP personnel.Advice provided includes maintaining a calm and rational demeanor when confronted with questioning from enforcement officials. This advisory occurs amidst Seattle’s standing as the sixth largest metropolitan area in the country with a significant Chinese population, which was estimated at about 166,000 residents in 2019, according to the Pew Research Center.
