Chinese authorities have issued a stark warning to their citizens, advising them to avoid entering the United States through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This directive follows allegations that more than a dozen Chinese scholars were subjected to harassment and denial of entry by US Customs and Border Protection officers.
Allegations of Unreasonable Questioning and Entry Denials
In a post on the social media platform X, the China Consular Affairs account detailed that approximately 20 Chinese scholars recently traveled to the US for academic conferences. Upon arrival at Seattle airport, they were reportedly subjected to what the Chinese government described as 'unreasonable questioning' by CBP officers. The scholars were then allegedly denied entry into the country.
Official Chinese Response and Instructions
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the US, told the Daily Mail that the US has been 'overstretching the concept of national security for political manipulation.' He accused American authorities of 'groundlessly interrogating and harassing Chinese scholars and students,' actions he said infringe on citizens' rights and poison cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Chinese officials urged citizens to 'respond calmly and rationally' if questioned by US law enforcement. They also advised travelers to 'strengthen their awareness of security precautions' and 'learn the US entry regulations in detail in advance.'
Seattle's Significance as a Liberal Hub
Seattle is one of the top ten US cities by Chinese population, with about 166,000 residents, according to Pew Research Center. It is also among the most liberal cities in America, having recently elected ultra-progressive candidate Katie Wilson as mayor. More than 55.5% of Seattle adults identify as Democrats or lean blue, per the Seattle Times.
Airport and Port of Seattle Statements
The Port of Seattle, which owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, directed all inquiries to CBP, stating that questions about entry should go to federal authorities 'as they manage entry into the country - not the airport.' A spokesperson added that as a federally regulated airport, the Port does not control operations or entry requirements for international passengers.
Broader Context and Recent Incidents
This warning comes just weeks before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing in mid-May, marking the first US presidential visit to China since 2017. It also follows the death of Danhao Wang, a Chinese researcher at the University of Michigan who died on March 20 after falling from a campus building.
Police are investigating Wang's death as a 'possible act of self-harm,' while the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed he took his own life after 'hostile questioning by US law enforcement.' Chinese officials said this incident 'calls into question once again the impact and legitimacy of unwarranted US interrogation and harassment targeting Chinese researchers and students.'
China's Firm Stance and Future Actions
The Chinese Embassy spokesperson stated firmly: 'We oppose that,' and urged the US to 'stop any discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese scholars and students.' He added that China 'will continue to take what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese citizens’ legitimate and lawful rights and interests.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to US Customs and Border Protection for further comment on these allegations. No additional details were provided about the specific incidents at Seattle airport.
