SEATTLE — The Chinese government is warning its citizens to stay away from Seattle’s main airport, claiming U.S. border officials are systematically harassing Chinese travelers.
China Consular Affairs reported on social media that approximately 20 Chinese academics holding valid visas were recently turned away at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport despite traveling to participate in an educational conference. The officials described the border inspection process as “unreasonable” and said the scholars were unjustly denied entry into the country.
Representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C., and the Chinese consulate in San Francisco were contacted Thursday for additional details and responses to the allegations.
Due to what they describe as ongoing harassment of Chinese academics at the facility, China’s foreign ministry and embassy are now advising their citizens to prioritize safety when considering U.S. travel and to bypass the Seattle airport entirely, according to their social media statement.
Chinese officials also recommended that their nationals familiarize themselves thoroughly with American entry requirements before traveling.
“If you encounter questioning from U.S. enforcement personnel, you should deal with it calmly and rationally,” the translated social media post advised.
According to 2019 data from the Pew Research Center, the Seattle metropolitan region housed approximately 166,000 Chinese residents, making it the nation’s sixth-largest Chinese population center.
