28 Nov 2024 | 10:14 AM UTC
China: US lowers travel advisory rating for China to level 2, "exercise increased caution," as of Nov. 28
US lowers travel advisory rating for China to level 2, "exercise increased caution, following release of detained nationals, on Nov. 27.
The US State Department lowered the travel advisory rating for mainland China to level 2, "exercise increased caution," (the third-highest level on a four-tier system) on Nov. 27. The US government downgraded the rating from level 3, "reconsider travel". The change follows the release of three US nationals that Washington considered wrongfully detained in China; the detainees were held on various charges including drug trafficking and espionage. The US continues to warn its citizens about the arbitrary enforcement of local laws in China, including in relation to exit bans.
Despite the lowering of the US's travel advisory rating for China, foreigners in the country continue to face an extant risk of detention. While Beijing maintains the legality of the arrests - mainly made on national security grounds - the US, along with multiple other countries, such as the UK, continue to warn their citizens about the arbitrary application of laws in China. Cases of detained foreign nationals highlight the importance of adhering to local laws while traveling or operating in China.