China has vigorously protested a recent U.S. State Department warning to American travelers of Chinese origin, calling it “irresponsible.” The warning states that there may be a risk of detention for anyone who has engaged in activities or published opinions critical of Chinese government policies, including traveling to Taiwan or being involved with Taiwanese media organizations. The advisory was prompted by several incidents of detention of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, in many cases with no evidence presented against them. At the time of the April 19 warning at least two Americans were being detained. Despite the Chinese government’s protests, the American traveler of Chinese origin should indeed tread carefully, as China does not function under the rule of law, but is, after all, a repressive regime. Travelers of all races and nationalities would do well to remember that.
