US adds ‘wrongful detention’ warning for Americans travelling to China

The US State Department has added a “wrongful detention” warning to its travel advisory for China, alerting Americans to the risk of being detained arbitrarily under Chinese law.

On Monday, the official China travel advisory added the “D” risk indicator for wrongful detention, while maintaining the country’s overall advisory level at Level 2, or “Exercise Increased Caution”.

The advisory urges Americans travelling to mainland China to exercise caution due to the “arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of wrongful detention”.

The move comes as Washington and Beijing seek to maintain an improving bilateral relationship following a warm welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping by US President Donald Trump during the September visit to Washington. The two leaders are expected to meet twice more this year.

A US State Department spokesperson told the South China Morning Post that the department remained committed to providing accurate information to American travellers, but did not directly address the reason for the latest change.

02:20

US accuses mainland China of targeting Taiwan leader’s family in surveillance case

“The US Department of State takes seriously its commitment to provide Americans with clear, timely and reliable information about destinations across the globe so they can make informed travel decisions,” the statement said.

Hong Kong is also rated Level 2, while Macau is at Level 3, meaning travellers should reconsider their travel plans.

Semafor first reported the planned change on Friday, citing sources who said it was related to the detention of two American scholars in China, Chen Youlin and Min Zin. Both have been designated by the US government as wrongfully detained.

Chinese authorities have accused Chen of espionage, likely linked to his seismic research, and Zin of espionage and endangering China’s national security.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Previously, Beijing rejected claims of wrongful detention, saying Chen’s case was handled lawfully and that Zin was under investigation and his legal rights were protected.

This reinstates the warning. In 2024, after China released several detained Americans, the State Department removed the “D” indicator from its China travel advisory.

SCMP Plus is a new premium news platform that gives you an

all-inclusive edge to stay ahead on China news.

To access our exclusive content you’ll need to subscribe.

Already a subscriber?

LOG IN

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation says 12 Americans are currently wrongfully detained in China, including some subject to exit bans. It has assessed 42 cases since 1998, though the total number of Americans caught up in China’s legal system may be higher.