China warns its citizens to not travel through SeaTac Airport

By THE ALASKA STORY

China’s government is cautioning its citizens about travel to the United States, specifically advising against entry through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after what it describes as a pattern of scrutiny targeting Chinese scholars.

The warning, issued April 16 by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with its diplomatic missions in the U.S., cites a recent incident involving roughly 20 Chinese academics who were denied entry at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, despite holding valid visas.

According to Chinese officials, the scholars who were traveling to attend an academic conference were subjected to what Beijing called “unreasonable questioning” by officers with US Customs and Border Protection before being turned away. The advisory claims the incident is part of a broader pattern of “malicious questioning and harassment” at the Seattle-Tacoma airport.

Chinese authorities are now urging travelers to “strengthen safety awareness,” consider avoiding Sea-Tac as a port of entry, and be prepared to respond calmly during any interactions with U.S. border officials.

The episode was reported by multiple international outlets, including Reuters, as well as Chinese state-affiliated media. Details of the specific travelers involved have not been independently verified.

US officials have not publicly confirmed the incident in detail. US Customs and Border Protection typically does not comment on individual cases, citing privacy laws, but has consistently maintained that visa holders are not guaranteed entry. Under law, border officers retain broad authority to deny admission based on findings during inspection, including concerns related to immigration intent, prior travel, or national security.

The situation reflects longstanding tensions between Washington and Beijing over academic exchanges and research security. In recent years, American authorities have increased scrutiny of foreign nationals, particularly those in advanced science and technology fields,  due to concerns about intellectual property theft and China’s military-civil fusion strategy.

China has said that is discriminatory and politically motivated. Similar travel advisories have been issued in the past, including warnings in 2024 about prolonged questioning and electronic device searches at US airports.